70747 - History and Theory of Restoration

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has a deep knowledge of the historical and cultural events that led to the modern concept of restoration, through the examination of events of particular significance that took place between the fifteenth and twentieth centuries, so as to understand the current situation through a severe criticism. Moreover, the student will be able to proceed with competence in the field of preservation science because of the comparison with the evolution of taste and practice over the centuries. Finally, he/she is able to recognize ancient and previous restoration interventions, so as to proceed safely with operational activities.

Course contents

The course is related to the development of the modern concept of restoration through the practices and theories developed over the centuries.

Particular cases will be taken into account, such as the fifteenth-century and nineteenth-century restorations of the Laocoonte (Vatican Museums); seventeenth-century restorations of the Ludovisi sculptures (Palazzo Altemps, Rome), the Stanze by Raphael (Vatican) and Palazzo Farnese (Rome). Then, the eighteenth century restorations of the Parthenon marbles and the most recent interventions on the statues of the façade of St. Peter church in Bologna and the Chimera of Arezzo will be shown and discussed.

Particular care will be devoted to the discussion of the systems for securing cultural heritage in areas of anthropic and natural risk, as well as the activities of the international institutions responsible for this activities (Unesco, Blue Shield, Watch).

Readings/Bibliography

• M. CIATTI, Appunti per un manuale di storia e teoria del restauro, Edifir Edizioni Firenze, Firenze 2009
• S. RINALDI, Storia tecnica dell'arte. Materiali e metodi della pittura e della scultura (secc. V-XIX), Carocci Editore, Roma 2013

Teaching methods

Lectures will be accompanied by visits to restoration laboratories, picture galleries, museums, consistent with the times and methods of lessons.

In order to complete the course, an instruction travel is planned for the direct examination of the works subjected to restorations and discussed in classroom.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of an interview aimed at verifying the student's comprehension of what is presented in the lessons and the study of the indicated texts.

The aim is to verify the level of understanding of the complex issues explained during the course, from the modern concept of preservation science to maintenance issues, and the level of critical and methodological preparation of the student.

Particular attention will be paid to mastering the appropriate expression and language appropriate to the concerned subject.

Teaching tools

Video projector, PC, slide projector

Office hours

See the website of Donatella Biagi