37489 - Processes in Conservation

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the Student will acquire knowledge: - to recognize constituent materials and forms of alteration and/or deterioration of the work of art, - to implement the most appropriate investigations to assess the state of conservation, - to provide the conservator-restorer with useful information for the preparation of an adequate intervention project using a dialectical and interdisciplinary approach. The student will be able to: - recognize techniques and constituent materials of artefacts (mainly polychrome wooden sculpture and easel paintings) - identify the main causes and phenomena of degradation - identify suitable analytical methodologies - acquire basic knowledge on materials and restoration techniques - learn methods and tools for preventive conservation, with reference to light, temperature, and R.H. - improve capacity to team work - apply the concepts learned, develop a critical and ethical approach to conservative intervention, and know how to communicate through specific terminology the data collected by transferring them into a treatment proposal or a condition report - interact with the professional figure of the Conservator-Restorer in a dialectical and interdisciplinary relationship

Course contents

Introduction to the Conservation-Restoration international community

What is Conservation-Restoration, remedial conservation, restoration, preventive conservation

E.C.C.O European Confederation of Conservator-Restorers’ Organisation: Professional guidelines

The iteractive Scientific method

The role of conservation scientists in answering specific questions raised by conservator-restorers, art hystorians, archaeologists, etc.

Readings/Bibliography

Transparencies and course notes: (virtuale.unibo.it)

Scientific Examination for the Investigation of Paintings. A Handbook for Conservators-restorers. D. Pinna; M. Galeotti, R. Mazzeo, 2009, Centro Di, Firenze

Teaching methods

Lectures and laboratory sessions providing a basic understanding ofthe role science for conservation can play within different processes in conservation 

Assessment methods

Assessment methods

The final examination consists of a ORAL DISCUSSION on the topics covered in class and laboratory sessions and is aimed at evaluating the theoretical knowledge acquired during the course, the possession of language skills and the acquisition of an organic vision of the covered course topics.
Good or excellent grades can be achieved by students who demonstrate a critical knowledge of the subject, who are able to apply theoretical concepts to practical examples and make use of an appropriate language. Mostly mnemonic knowledge, limited abilities of synthesis and analysis as well as imprecise language lead to grades ranging from discrete to sufficient. Important gaps, inappropriate language, lack of an overview of the topics covered will inevitably lead to a barely adequate grade or to a negative evaluation.

The topics discussed during the laboratory session are an integral part of the oral examination

At the end the teacher assigns a score (from 18/18 to a max of 30/30 cum laude-with honours) that reflects student's degree of preparation.

Teaching tools

Computer projector, PC.

Students are allowed to have access to the reserarch laboratory of the teacher provided that are accompained by him.

Links to further information

https://site.unibo.it/chemistry-cultural-heritage/en

Office hours

See the website of Rocco Mazzeo