OVERVIEW

Lectures will provide 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 at the planned lectures and educational visits will enable students to acquire specific competences in the field of cultural heritage conservation and restoration.

Specifically, students will be able to:

• Understand the history and theory of conservation from the sixteenth century to the present day;

• Gain knowledge of the most important restorers of the past, in both Italy and Europe;

• Identify and, when possible, date the traces of past restorations, relating them to the relevant historical interventions;

• Become familiar with current conservation practices;

• Understand and apply technical examinations using imaging techniques;

• Apply the acquired knowledge to a specific case study;

• Evaluate the most appropriate restoration procedures to ensure correct conservation.

The training activities also include the optional participation in the multidisciplinary teaching programme, organised annually by the Master’s degree course. Participation in the planned laboratory and field activities will allow students to acquire the “social skills – advanced level”, with particular reference to:

• management skills in social interactions;

• a collaborative approach;

• the ability to express and understand different points of view;

• constructive communication in diverse contexts, including public communication during cultural events

PREREQUISITES

In order to effectively engage with the lectures content, students are required to have a basic knowledge of art techniques, including:

1. mural painting techniques;

2. panel painting techniques;

3. canvas painting techniques;

4. wood and marble sculpture techniques.

TEACHING METHODS

Classes are held in person, either in the classroom or during educational visits.

The teaching methods used in the multidisciplinary teaching project promoted by the Master’s degree programme include: team-based learning, problem-based learning, group learning, and project-based learning. The preparation of technical reports and the presentation/dissemination of results during public events are also part of the programme.

Students with valid certification of physical or learning disabilities filed with the University, who wish to discuss potential accommodations or other matters related to lectures, coursework, or examinations, are encouraged to contact both the instructor and Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.

The syllabus can be adjusted for working students, with the possibility of multimedia support.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Lectures will cover the following topics:

• The history of conservation and restoration from the sixteenth century to the present day

• Cesare Brandi’s theory and the theoretical debate in the twentieth century

• The concept of patina and the "cleaning controversy"

• Methods for the treatment of losses

• Diagnostics applied to the conservation of paintings and sculptures

• Multispectral imaging techniques

• Methodologies relating to different supports (mural painting, wood, canvas, paper-parchment, textiles, plaster, stucco, metals, polychromy)

• General regulations

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.

A selection of the slides used during the lectures will be available on AulaWeb.

Additional 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

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Please consult the detailed schedule at the following links:

https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/ 

https://corsi.unige.it/corsi/9009/studenti-orario

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

The exam will assess the student’s acquisition of knowledge in the field of conservation history and their competence in ancient and modern restoration practices. Special attention will be given to the understanding of diagnostic techniques.

The open questions will evaluate the student’s ability to apply theoretical knowledge to specific practical cases.
Students must be able to connect and present the topics covered in the lectures with critical awareness. The ability to express arguments clearly and using correct terminology will also be assessed.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Regular attendance is strongly recommended.