LEARNING OUTCOMES

First,the history of conservation from the sixteenth century to the present day is outlined, with particular attention to the history of pictorial restoration in the Nineteenth and Twentieth centuries. Secondly, theory and methods of modern restoration are discussed, focusing on the techniques of painting and  sculpture tretments. To allow students to better understand the technical procedures, visits to restoration studios and meetings with restorers are planned.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Attendance in the planned lectures will allow students to acquire specific competences in the field of cultural heritage conservation/restoration.

Specifically, the student will be able to:

Know the history and theory of conservation form the XVIth century to the present

Know the activity of the most important restorers of the past, in Italy and in Europe

Identify and possibly date the traces of old restorations, reconnecting them to the relative operations carried out in the past

Know the conservation practices performed today

Know and apply technical examinations using imaging techniques

Apply the acquired knowledge to a specific case study

Evaluate the most suitable restoration procedures to be adopted for a correct conservation

PREREQUISITES

In order to effectively face the teaching content, the following basic knowledge of the history of art techniques is required: 1) wall painting techniques; 2) panel painting techniques; 3) canvas painting techniques; wooden and marble sculpture techniques.

TEACHING METHODS

The lessons will hopefully be held in person 

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course will discuss the following topics:

• History of conservation/restoration from the XVIth century to the present
• Cesari Brandi’s theory and the theoretic debate during the XXth century
• What “patina” is and the “Cleaning Controversy”
• Methods in losses treatment
• The diagnostic applied to  painting and sculptures conservation
• Multispectral Imaging techniques

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bibliography:

• C.Brandi, Teoria del restauro, Torino, Piccola Biblioteca Einaudi, 1977.
• M.Ciatti, Appunti per un manuale di storia e di teoria del restauro, Firenze, Edifir, 2009.
• G. Perusini, Il restauro dei dipinti e delle sculture lignee, Udine, Del Bianco editore, 1985 (pdf available in aulaweb).
• O. Rossi Pinelli, Chirurgia della memoria: scultura antica e restauri storici, in Memoria dell'antico nell'arte italiana, Dalla tradizione all'archeologia, vol.III, a cura di S. Settis, Torino, Einaudi, 1986, pp.183-250.

Recommended reading:

• Scientific Examination for the Investigation of Paintings: A Handbook for Conservators-restorers, a cura di D. Pinna; M. Galeotti, R.Mazzeo, Firenze, Centro Di, 2009.