Amelia International Conservation Studies

Summer Semester, 2025
Mon, July 14 - Fri, August 8, 2025 (4 weeks)
Amelia, Italy
Meets daily: Monday – Friday, 09:00 AM – 10:30 AM (4 weeks)
Afternoon Workshop: Monday - Friday, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM (4 weeks)
Location: The cloister of the Romanesque church of San Francesco (classroom for both lectures and workshop)
Lead Instructor: Alberto Sucato
Lead Instructor: Livia Marini

Prerequisite: Introductory knowledge of art conservation:
- Familiarity with basic concepts and terminology.
- Foundation for understanding more advanced restoration techniques.

Fresco: A unique technique among the Wall paintings:

• Artistic and technical points of view:

• Reflect diverse historical styles and techniques.

• Showcase the evolution of artistic expression over centuries.

• Conservation perspective:

• Require specialized knowledge for preservation.

• Involve complex challenges due to their integration with architecture.

• Aesthetic and physical unity with architecture:

• Integral part of the building's design and structure.

• Enhance the architectural narrative and ambiance.

• Vulnerability due to exposure to elements:

• Subject to weathering, pollution, and environmental changes.

• Alterations and degradations of wall paintings.

• Challenges:

• Large dimensions:

• Difficult to access and work on without scaffolding.

• Require significant resources and planning for restoration.

• Difficulty in monitoring deterioration:

• Subtle changes may go unnoticed without regular inspection.

• Advanced technology needed for accurate assessment.

• Limited possibilities for careful studies and interventions:

• Constraints due to location, accessibility, and funding.

• Need for non-invasive techniques to preserve integrity.

• Course focus:

• Conservation and restoration of wall paintings:

• The importance of preserving cultural heritage.

• Balance between historical authenticity with modern techniques (invece di techniques metterei : modern ethical approach).

• “Modern” restoration approach for large pictorial cycles:

• Scientific advancements and interdisciplinary methods.

• Aims to stabilize and protect artworks for future generations.

• Developed in the 1980s and 1990s:

• Marked by significant technological and methodological innovations.

• Set new standards for restoration practices worldwide.

• Major interventions:

• Tomb of Nefertari:

• Renowned for its vibrant colors and intricate details.

• Restoration involved international collaboration and expertise.

• Sistine Chapel:

• Famous for Michelangelo's ceiling and Last Judgment frescoes.

• Restoration revealed original colors and artistic intent.

• Frescoes of Pompeii:

• Provide insight into ancient Roman life and art.

• Conservation efforts focus on preserving historical context.

• When possible avoid removing  the artifact from original site

• First part of the course:

• Examination of main mural painting techniques of the past:

• Study of fresco, secco, and other traditional methods.

• Understanding the materials and tools used by historical artists.

• Exploration of alteration and deterioration processes:

• Identification of common issues like moisture, salt efflorescence, and biological growth.

• Analysis of chemical and physical changes over time.

• Scientific techniques for diagnostics:

• Use of imaging, spectroscopy, and other technologies.

• Enables precise identification of materials and conditions.

• Second part of the course:

• Technical and practical aspects of “hands-on” restoration and conservation:

• Training in cleaning, consolidation, and retouching techniques.

• Emphasis on ethical considerations and decision-making.

• Interdisciplinary approach:

• Collaboration between conservators, scientists, historians, and architects.

• The importance of the graphic documentation

• Integration of diverse perspectives and expertise.

• Discussion of:

• Passive conservation techniques:

• Strategies to minimize intervention and maintain stability.

• Focus on preventive measures and environmental control.

• Control of environmental parameters:

• Monitoring temperature, humidity, and light exposure.

• Implementation of protective measures to mitigate risks.

• Accompanied by examples from major works of art with recent restorations:

• Case studies illustrating successful conservation projects.

• Lessons learned and best practices shared with participants.