San Gemini Preservation Studies 2010

Introduction to Art Restoration in Italy (3 Units)

Session 1 (May 23 - June 19) 4 weeks

Course #: S1-A1

Instructor: Prof. Nikos Vakalis, Max Cardillo  

E-mail: nikosvakalis@libero.it 

 

Course Description:

This course introduces students to restoration. It explores the traditional materials and techniques used by Italian artists and architects, the causes of deterioration of these materials over time, and the different approaches to their restoration and conservation. The course puts an emphasis on materials used in traditional buildings; the artwork and decorations that are often an integral part of buildings. The course combines theoretical learning in the classroom with a hands-on experience in the field. As part of the course students will be required to work restoring the faηade of the 14th century church of Santo Gemine.

 

The study program explores traditional building materials such as stone, architectural ceramics, wood, mortars, cements and architectural metals. It also explores the materials and methods used in artwork, such as fresco painting, secco mural techniques, painting on wood, oil painting, gilding, stone and wood sculpture, decorative plasters, mosaics and stained glass.

 

Course objectives:  

The objective for this course is to give an introduction to the field to students planning a career in restoration and to offer a useful overview of the process and problematic examples of restoration to students involved in other aspects of the process of conservation and historic preservation.

This course is aimed at students of Restoration and Conservation, Historic Preservation, Architecture, Art. Art History, Cultural History, Engineering, Anthropology, Archaeology and Museum studies.

 

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

  • Introduction to the nature of traditional materials and methods used by artists and architects (stone, cements, mortars and plasters, mural painting, wood, ceramics, glass, stained glass and mosaic)

  • The causes of material deterioration, both natural and anthropomorphic

  • Traditional methods of restoration

  • Modern methods of restoration and preservation

  • Understanding modern approaches to restoration

  • Hands-on experience working on the faηade restoration of the church of Santo Gemine

Lecture Topics:

 

1

Stone – Geology and Description 

2

Stone – Traditional Uses in Art 

3

Stone – Decay Factors 

4

Stone – Decay & Restoration

5

Architectural and Decorative Ceramic – Technical Features 

6

Architectural and Decorative Ceramic – Restoration Features 

7

Cement , Plaster and Mortars

8

Fresco Materials and Technology

9

Fresco and Secco Mural Techniques Over the Centuries

10

Wood – Materials, Features and Traditional uses in Art 

11

Painting and Gilding on Wood – Materials and Techniques

12

Wood – Decay Factors and Restoration

13

Painting on Wood – Decay Factors and Restoration

14

Oil Painting Materials and Methods

15

Oil Painting – Decay & Restoration Methods

16

Mosaic – Materials and Techniques Methods of  Restoration 

17

Glass – Mosaic and Stained Glass
18 Decorative – Plasters and Stuccos – Materials – Decay Restoration
19

Modern Theories of Restoration 

20

Visiting Lecturer – Sandro Bianchi, Survey and Management of Cultural Heritage

 

COURSE STRUCTURE:  

Mornings: Lectures 3 hours. Afternoons: 4 hours field work sessions,

assigned reading, written assignment  

   

READINGS: 

To be announced

 

DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENTS:

Field work: Complete various assignments that are given as part of field project

Term paper #1:  8 page paper on a topic to be assigned

Term paper #2:  8 page paper on a topic to be assigned (only graduate students)

Exam: mixed format – quiz and essay questions