OVERVIEW

The course  provides the basic knowledge to understand the historical evolution of the practices and the critical debates in the field of artifacts conservation. This discipline plays a central role in improving the comprehension of our cultural heritage, as it provides the skill to understand how the artistic objects have been preserved over the centuries and to be able to plan the correct treatments for their future conservation.

AIMS AND CONTENT

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 from the XVIth century to the present day

- 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, relating them to the relative operations carried out in the past

- Know the conservation practices used today

- Know and apply technical examinations using imaging techniques

-  Apply the acquired knowledge to a specific case study

- Evaluate the most appropriate restoration procedures to be adopted for a correct conservation.

The training activities includes optional participation in the "multidisciplinary teaching program" promoted annually by the master’s degree program. Participation in the planned laboratory and field activities will enable students to acquire the"social skill - advanced level" with particular reference to: 
- management skills in social interactions;
- collaborative attitude;
- expressing and understanding different points of view;
- constructive communication in different environments, including communication to the public during cultural events.
 

PREREQUISITES

In order to be able to deal effectively with the contents of the course, the following basic knowledge of the history of art techniques is required 1) mural painting techniques; 2) panel painting techniques; 3) canvas painting techniques; wood and marble sculpture techniques.

TEACHING METHODS

Classes are held in person.

Teaching methods used in the multidisciplinary teaching project promoted by the master’s degree program include: team-based learning; problem-based learning; group-based teaching; project-based teaching. The production of technical reports and presentation/dissemination of achievements at public events is also planned.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course will cover the following topics

The history of conservation/restoration from the XVI century to the present day
Cesari Brandi's theory and the theoretical debate during the XXth century
What is "patina" and the "cleaning controversy".
Methods in the treatment of losses
Diagnostics applied to the conservation of paintings and sculptures
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.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARIA CLELIA GALASSI (President)

PAOLO ANTONINO MARIA TRIOLO

GIACOMO MONTANARI (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The start date of the lessons (second semester) will be communicated as soon as possible.

Class schedule

HISTORY AND RESTORATION TECHNIQUES

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of an oral test. The questions will be related to the topics discussed in the lectures. Students will also be asked to comment on images related to the history of restoration, modern conservation techniques and art diagnostics.

Three exam dates will be available in the winter season (January, February) and three dates in the summer season (June, July, September)

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details of how to prepare for the exam and the level of detail required for each topic will be given during the lectures. The exam will test the actual acquisition of knowledge in the field of conservation history and competence related to ancient and modern restoration practices. Special attention will be given to the knowledge of diagnostic techniques. The open questions will assess the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to individual practical cases. The student must be able to relate and expose the topics covered in the lectures with critical awareness. The ability to present arguments clearly and with correct terminology will also be evaluated.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Regular attendance is strongly recommended.