San Gemini Preservation Studies 2010

Traditional Painting Methods and Restoration Techniques (3 credits)

Session 2 (July 4 – July 31) 4 weeks

Course #: S2-2

Instructor: Prof. Nikos Vakalis

Email: nikosvakalis@libero.it

This course is an in-depth study of traditional painting techniques and materials common in Italy during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, factors that hastened their deterioration and approaches to their restoration.

The course focuses on the methods and materials. It includes lectures, field trips and a workshop in which students create paintings using traditional methods. This course is aimed primarily at art historians, museum curators, restoration students and artists.

Part I

Traditional methods and materials in painting:

•  Frescos painting traditions

            Ancient Roman

            Renaissance

•  Painting on wood board using 14^th Century methods

            Board preparation

            Gesso rendering

            Gilding

            Pigments & temperas

            Painting

•  Oil painting on canvas using 17^th Century methods

            Stretchers

            Canvas

            Rendering

            Pigments & oil binders

Part II

Causes of material deterioration :

•  Wear and tear

•  Environmental

•  Biological attack

Part III

Methods of restoration for painting :

•  Analysis

•  Consolidation

•  Cleaning

•  Lacunae and retouching