A survey is given of polychromed sculpture in Sweden. Historical aspects of the care of sculptures are discussed. Many retables have been imported from Lilbeck and Ant- werp. Polychromed sculptures are often well preserved because there was hardly any icono- clasm in Sweden. Many need treatment however due to various forms of neglect. A special case-the triptych of Kairrbo (c. 1500)-is described in detail from a technical point of view.