Međunarodna konferencija studija konzervacije-restauracije

Restoration of San Giovanni in Fonte baptistery mosaics

Authors: Giulia Allegretti De Lista, Elena Fondacaro and Valeria Pappalardo
Mentor: Francesco Esposito, Prof.

Suor Orsola Benincasa University in Naples (Italy)
Study programme: Art Conservation and Restoration
Specialization: Stone, decoration of architectural surfaces

Abstract

In July and September 2014, a didactic workshop was developed in the baptistery of San Giovanni in Fonte, Naples. In the restoration project were involved the Superior Institute for Conservation and Restoration, Special Suprintendence for Historical Artistical and Ethno-Anthropological Heritage and Museum Centre of Naples and Suor Orsola Benincasa University. Our intervention purpose was to deepen the study of executive tecnique of the mosaic, even with the assistance of diagnostic measures, and to realize a general project for its conservation. Mosaic conditions, indeed, were compromized by continuous water infiltrations from the roof and by microclimatic problems of the environment. Finally, the gourp attempted to activate a better reading of the figurative device, which in 2014 was quite fragmentary because of the fillings of numerous lacunae, sometimes really wide, realized in different times and ways from Middleage until the last century.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 1.69 MB)

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Conservation-restoration of the wall painting "Mladina se vključuje v proizvodnjo" (Youth are Getting Involved in the Production) by Maksim Sedej and Dana Pajnič

Authors: Čila Berden, academic restorer, and Barbara Škander,  academic restorer
Mentor: Blaž Šeme, PhD, Assistant Professor

Department of Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art, Academy of Fine Arts and Design, University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)
Study programme: First-Cycle Master's Programme Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art
Specialization: Wall paintings and stone (1st year of study)

Abstract

During November and December 2016 first and second year MA students attending the course pathway Conservation and Restoration of Wall Paintings and Stone at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Ljubljana undertook the conservation-restoration of a socialist realist wall painting titled Youth are Getting Involved in the Production. The wall painting was made using the secco technique in 1949 by the painters Maksim Sedej and Dana Pajnič and is located in the Secondary School for Hairstyling in Ljubljana.

We began by examining, assessing and documenting the condition of the wall painting, followed by cleaning tests for determining the stability of the paint surface. We then decided on the necessary conservation-restoration treatment. Procedures carried out were the removal of surface impurities and of the silicon strip that remained from the mounted display protection, the repair of gaps with lime putty and the retouching of areas of paint loss. While working on the wall painting we discovered areas that were heavily overpainted during previous restorations, as well as unsuitable surface repairs, which we decided to remove.

The poster presents the techniques and materials that were used for the conservation-restoration of the wall painting.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 286.83 KB)

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The restoration of old print "Georgica Curiosa" from year 1716

Author: Anezka Jadlovska
Mentor: Radomir Slovik, MSc

Faculty of Restoration, University of Pardubice (Czech Republic)
Study programme: Restoration and Conservation
Specialization: Paper, bookbinding and documents (4th year of study)

Abstract

The poster is about restoration of book with title Georgica Curiosa. The restoration of this book was part of a bachelor thesis. This restoration has included analysis, cleaning, completion of materials, making of bookbinding according original techniques and preparation of protective box. The intervention took place from February to August 2016.

The book was printed in Nuremberg in 1716 and an author was Wolf Helmhardt von Hohberg, Austrian nobleman. Georgica Curiosa is an encyclopedic handbook focused on farming and countryside and the book is composed of three richly illustrated volumes. The subject of restoration is the first volume from Hohberg‘s work.

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"The Unknown Saint", the wooden sculpture with polychrome, gilding and silvering; 16th/17th century (?)

Author: Alicja Sawoniuk
Mentors: Andrej Aranicki, MA, Associate Professor; Ana Božičević, MA, Assistant Lecturer

Department of Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art, Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków (Poland)
Study programme: Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art MA Programme
Specialization: Paintings (5th year of study)

Abstract

The conservation-restoration treatment of The Unknown Saint, the wooden sculpture with polychrome, gilding and silvering, dated for 16th/17th century (?) from the church of St. George the Martyr in Lešće na Dobri (Croatia). The sculpture undertakes issues of reconstruction and a range of conservator’s intervention. The object is under the museum approach, what means that an artwork is reduced to a historical document. The range of executed processes is minimalized only to conservation treatment, esthetic tasks are taken only if necessary.

Works were executed in the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb under the Erasmus+ Programme during the winter semester 2016/17.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 1.48 MB)

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Saving the words of Illyric history

Authors: Iva Carević, Katija Maškarić, Dora Franetović and Mia Perković
Mentor: Sanja Serhatlić, Expert Associate 

Department of Art and Restoration, University of Dubrovnik (Croatia)
Study programme: Graduate programme in conservation-restoration
Specialization: Paper (1st year of the Master's programme)

Abstract

A book Breve Compendivm Nationis Glorisae Totivs Lingvae Illyricae by the author Martin Rosa was published in 1638 and is situated in Franciscan monastery in Rožat. Martin Rosa was representative of Franciscan Illyrism. The book is written in Latin and tells about creation of the world, Slavic cultural and political history, their language, geographical position and it is the only remained copy in Croatia. Process of restoration took place in workshop of paper at University of Dubrovnik. The book is made of three parts which vary in dimension, thickness and in type of print. It was in very poor state and had many mechanical and chemical damages, especially book cover and binding, because of bad conditions in which it was kept in. Purpose of this poster is to present processes of restoration done on this book and to show some interesting particularities that occured during the restoration.

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Conservation and restoration of Tomos Colibri 03 moped

Author: Angel Oblak
Mentors: Tamara Trček Pečak, Associate Professor; Jurij Smole, Assistant Professor

Department of Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art, Academy of Fine Arts and Design, University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)
Study programme: Integrated undergraduate and graduate course of study in conservation-restoration
Specialization: – (graduate)

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Crucifixion group: Conservation of polychrome sculptures from St. James chapel at Očura

Author: Sonja Pavin
Mentors: Zvjezdana Jembrih, MA, Associate Professor; Ana Božičević, MA, Assistant Lecturer 

Department for Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art, Academy of Fine Arts, University of Zagreb (Croatia)
Study programme: Integrated undergraduate and graduate course of study in conservation-restoration
Specialization: Sculpture (4th year of study)

Read more: Crucifixion group: Conservation of polychrome sculptures from St. James chapel at Očura

Restoration of the ancient Roman sculpture Augustus from Narona

Author: Josip Nižetić
Mentors: Ivo Donelli, Associate Professor; Siniša Bizjak, Assistant Professor

Department of Conservation-Restoration, Arts Academy of the University of Split (Croatia)
Study programme: Integrated undergraduate and graduate course of study in conservation-restoration
Specialization: Stone (5th year of study)

Abstract

This poster is about the restoration works on the sculpture representing emperor Augustus of Narona. The Poster briefly explains all stages of work that begun with modelling of the missing leg to the final casting in ACRYSTAL acrylic resin. It contains photographs of the main stages of the process of restoration: photo before the restoration which depicts the sculpture condition before the very process of restoration.; after the restoration (final photo); depiction of the modelling process; depiction of the casting process; positioning of the cast and the original, modelling of the foot and cleaning with a steamer. The poster speaks about the issues of the sculpture which lead to the process of conservation and restoration, and also answers the questions: why, how and for what reason were certain conservation-restorative procedures applied on the specific parts of the sculpture.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 1.58 MB)

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Conservation and restoration works carried out on two wooden, polychrome sculpture of angel torchbearer from the church of St. Margaret in Štinjan

Author: Lucija Roce
Mentor: Nađa Lučić, Expert Associate 

Department of Art and Restoration, University of Dubrovnik (Croatia)
Study programme: Graduate programme in conservation-restoration
Specialization: Wooden objects (1st year of the Master's programme)

Abstract

Poster presents conservation and restoration works carried out on two wooden, polychrome sculpture of angel torchbearer from the church of St. Margaret in Štinjan. It will include: results of made and available laboratory analysis of materials with interpretations of results data and complete conducted conservation and restoration process with list of used materials and explanations of working methods. Because the sculptures were dislocated for years, the work carried out on them was the reason for their return in the cult, in the original context as altar inventory. Although it is a common intervention, poster discusses the importance of restoration procedure for re-evaluating the artwork and the role of conservator in communication with the public.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 3.25 MB)

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Restoration of mosaic replica from Stolac

Authors: Anđela Aćimović and Monika Sarana
Mentor: Darko Šobot, MA, Assistant Professor 

Department of Conservation and Restoration, Academy of Fine Arts, University of Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Study programme: Integrated undergraduate and graduate course of study in conservation-restoration
Specialization: – (2nd year of study)

Abstract

The mosaic is dated to the 3rd century AD and it is just a part of a 16 x 8 meters big scene with the Minotaur and the labyrinth.  In 2009 on workshop, this mosaic replica was made with original tesseraes from excavations when mosaic was discovered, in 1894. On that workshop despite professionals, mistakes were made. The poster presents a summary of a conservation restoration treatments of  part of a floor mosaics replica from Stolac based on schemes in book Ancient Mosaics in the Territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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Diocesan Museum Waterfalls

Authors: Andrea Šafran, Luka Krešimir Stipić, Marko Rizvić and Ante Pereza
Mentors: Zvjezdana Jembrih, MA, Associate Professor; Ana Božičević, MA, Assistant Lecturer 

Department for Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art, Academy of Fine Arts, University of Zagreb (Croatia)
Study programme: Integrated undergraduate and graduate course of study in conservation-restoration
Specialization: Sculpture (2nd year of study)

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Conservation and restoration works on the icon "Crucifixion with Saints"

Author: Ana Štimac
Mentor: Tamara Ukrainčik, MA, Associate Professor

Department for Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art, Academy of Fine Arts, University of Zagreb (Croatia)
Study programme: Integrated undergraduate and graduate course of study in conservation-restoration
Specialization: Painting (5th year of study)

Abstract

The topic of the poster is the work carried out on the icon Crucifixion with Saints. All conservation and restoration procedures were performed at the Department for Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art (Zagreb) and follow a series of problems and issues we faced, and possible and final solutions we considered and employed during our work on it. The icon was in a relatively poor condition: its painted layer was partially illegible. After conducting an IR scan (and thinning a layer of varnish later on) we identified two out of the four saints by the inscription written above them. Also, it was interesting to find the final solution to the reconstruction of the missing parts: applying putty, retouching and selecting the appropriate varnish as the final layer of the painting with regard to the icon’s overall impression.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 583.96 KB)

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13th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF CONSERVATION-RESTORATION STUDIES, DUBROVNIK 2016

Below you will find posters (in PDF format) that were presented at the 13th International Conference of Conservation-Restoration Studies. The conference took place in Dubrovnik in April 2016. To learn more about the event, please click here.

Challenges Facing the Protection of Textile Items from Island of Lopud

Author: Lucijana Margaretić
Mentors: Danijela Jemo, PhD, Assistant; Mateo Miguel K. Kesovia, MA, Assistant

University of Dubrovnik, Department of Art and Restoration
Study programme: Conservation and Restoration
Specialization: Textile conservation (2nd year of the Bachelor's programme)

Abstract

Church textiles are rich and diverse, and as part of movable cultural heritage they require special conditions of care and storage, so that valuable items would be preserved for future generations. The team consisting of the Head of the Art and Restoration Department prof. dr. sc. Denis Vokić, leader of textile restoration workshop dr. sc. Danijela Jemo, senior assistant, Mateo M. Kodrič Kesovia, assistant and students: Irma M. Dropulić, Danijela Erak and Lucijana Margaretić, at the request of Conservation Department of Ministry of Culture, has been on the island of Lopud with the intent of implementing a project of systematic care for the textile items from the Church of Our Lady of Šunj at the island of Lopud. The first phase of the project covered implementation of the in situ protection and preparation for their transport to the textile restoration workshop at the University of Dubrovnik. The second phase took place in the textile workshop at the University and has covered inventory of the items, preparation of detailed documentation for each item, mechanical cleaning and storage according to the rules of the profession.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 858.35 KB)

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Resistance of Paraloid B-72 to Temperature and UV Radiation

Author: Nadja Šperac
Mentors: Branko Matulić, PhD, Professor; Ivica Ljubenkov, PhD, Associate Professor; Nikola Radošević,  Lecturer; Krešimir Bosnić, Lecturer

Arts Academy in Split (Croatia)
Study programme: Integrated undergraduate and graduate course of study in conservation-restoration
Specialization: Wall paintings and mosaic (graduated in February 2016)

Abstract

Paraloid B-72 is a thermoplastic, non-yellowing, synthetic resin. Its composition can be chemically described as a co-polymer of methacrylate and ethyl-methacrylate. Due to its chemical stability, reversibility, good ageing characteristics, and its compatibility with various materials, it is vastly used in art conservation as a consolidant, adhesive, insulator, varnish. It is compatible with almost all materials. According to the previously obtained research results, Paraloid B-72 is sensitive to humidity, which may cause microorganism attack. This posed the subsequent question of its resistance to high temperatures and UV radiation. The overall aim of the current study is to determine the durability of Paraloid B-72 as a protective coating on wall paintings and stucco decoration in outdoor environments. The collated data could impact future decisions concerning the use of Paraloid B-72 as an effective protective material for such surfaces. Considering the complexity of the matter, and having in mind the research objectives, instrumental techniques for analytical chemistry were used, such as thermogravimetric analysis and IR spectroscopy. Some thermal-ageid and UV samples, which where treated through 302 hours (thermal) and 1072 hours (UV) showed low its stability, based on the changes visible on FT-IR spectra and thermograms.

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Wooden Gilded Tabernacle, Early 20th Century, Stuflesser Workshop

Author: Dora Mihanović
Mentors: Zvjezdana Jembrih, Associate Professor, MA; Ana Božičević, Assistant Lecturer, mag.

Academy of Fine Arts, Zagreb (Croatia)
Study programme: Integrated undergraduate and graduate study of Conservation and Restoration
Specialization: Sculpture (4th year of study)

Abstract

In the Roman Catholic Church, a tabernacle is a cabinet in which the Holy Eucharist is stored. The Gröden Valley, with their wood carving workshops in St. Ulrich and St. Christina has given perhaps the greatest contribution to the development of artistic craftsmanship and sculpting in the Tyrol area. The doors of Tabernacle crafted by Stuflesser usually display motives of the Passion of the Christ and grape vines (as perscribed by the Council of Trent), while the top arches of the niches are painted with plane depictions of a starry sky. This tabernacle originates from the sanctuary of the Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, located in the former "Betanija" sanatorium run by the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross in Veli Lošinj. The tabernacle was found covered in a layer of dirt and soot, and were spotted dry drops paraffin wax. It was in stable condition, although with numerous areas of minor damage in the wood, preparation, and gilded layers, especially in marginal sections of the profilation. There was also spotted a partial overpaint (bronze powder in oil binder) which had at one time been applied over the damaged areas, but also covered some of the preserved gilded sections and metal parts (the key, door handles and candelabra). Parts of the restoration work still in progress include carving the missing parts of the capital profilation (balsa wood), filling in the shallower damaged areas of the damaged wood (grilith kit), chalk-glue preparation ( planatol kit toned with red bole), reconstruct the missing parts of the gilding, both matte and polished and retouching using gold leaves and gold powder. Finally, the entire object will be covered in a new layer of protective varnish. After completion of the restoration work, the tabernacle will be returned to the sanctuary of the restored Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Veli Lošinj and returned into liturgical use.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 822 KB)

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Conservation of an Old Armchair

Authors: Ewa Lisiecka and Agnieszka Mielnik
Mentors: Krajewski Krzystof, Professor; Witomski Piotr, PhD

Warsaw University of Life Sciences (Poland)
Study programme: Technology of wood
Specialization: Antique wood conservation 

Abstract

Conservation of wooden furniture requires a lot of knowledge about wood. The lack of this knowledge results in conservation mistakes. In this presentation we shown how to conserve an armchair and remedy previous conservation mistakes.

Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 673 KB)

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The Fragments of Wall Paintings From Issa

Author: Marija Lena Bošković
Mentors: Nikola Radošević, Lecturer; Krešimir Bosnić, Lecturer

Arts Academy in Split (Croatia)
Study programme: Integrated undergraduate and graduate course of study in conservation-restoration
Specialization: Wall Paintings and Mosaics (4th year of study)

Abstract

Archaeological excavations carried out in 2012 and 2013, at the site of Issa on the island of Vis, have revealed plenty of fragments of wall paintings dated back to the time of Antique Issa, or more precisely to the first century AD, when the baths, the forum and the theatre were built. Around thirty crates with fragments are the object of complex conservation activities at the Department for Wall Paintings and Mosaics at the Arts Academy at Split, while the rest is stored at the Archaeological Museum of Split, which conducts the research. The fragments are relatively well preserved and of high artistic quality. They were made by buon fresco technique in which pigments make a permanent bond with the plaster due to the carbonation of lime. Some of the fragments are monochrome. The others contain parts of geometric and vegetative patterns and animal and human figures. The exact contents of the paintings will however be clearer after the fragments are joined together.

 Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 851.55 KB)

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FTIR Analysis of the Late Bronze Age Pottery from Dugiš on the River Cetina

Authors: Ivana Vukadin and Francis Dragičević
Mentors: Miona Miliša, PhD, Lecturer; Ivica Ljubenkov, ScD, Assistant Professor

Arts Academy in Split (Croatia)
Study programme: Integrated undergraduate and graduate course of study in conservation-restoration
Specialization: Archaeological heritage (5th year of study)

Abstract

The archaeological site of Dugiš is a prehistoric settlement of stilt houses located on the banks of the river Cetina. Being a very durable and resistant material, as well as the most characteristic feature of any prehistoric settlement, ceramic findings indicate a thousand year long continuity of living on the site. The fragments came from the Archaeological Museum at Split. The pottery was of everyday use, mainly cooking ware. 13 samples were selected, photographed under electronic microscope and analysed using FTIR. Most of the samples showed high contents of carbonates, oxides and metals. Only three of them contained higher levels of carbonates, which means that they were fired for too long. The one containing high levels of oxides was overfired.
These types of analysis provide more information on the prehistoric pottery making technology, as well as local clay contents and characteristics, which differentiate them from the imported wares.

 Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 683.28 KB)

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Restitutor Orbis – Restorer of the World

Authors: Vanda Krstinić and Anja Mihotović
Mentor: Filip Rogošić, Senior Lecturer

Arts Academy in Split (Croatia)
Study programme: Integrated undergraduate and graduate course of study in conservation-restoration
Specialization: Metal (5th year of study)

Abstract

The object is one of 46 ancient coins found at the archaeological site of the former Roman colony of Mursa ( today's city of Osijek ), in the province of Pannonia. This particular coin was picked up not only because of its state of preservation, but also because of the interesting life and political significance of the emperor Aurelian whose head it portrays. The coin is made of copper alloy. When excavated, it was covered in soil containing calcite. The presence of the metal core was established by boring the coin with a needle. The coin also showed the type of corrosion commonly referred to as "bronze cancer". Soil and calcite accretions were eliminated with a scalpel, synthetic brush, and a micro-motor grinder with a flexible shaft. The stabilization process began with dipping the coin in the 3 % solution of benzotriazole in acetone. The coat of Paraloid B72 in toluene was used as the protective finish.

 Click here to view the poster. (PDF // 656.94 KB)

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