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Hidden colours in stuccowork damaged by fire: A multi-analytical investigation for revealing the original decorative pattern

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Sansonetti, Antonio, Striova, Jana, Biondelli, Danilo, Aliatis, Irene and Rampazzi, Laura (2016) Hidden colours in stuccowork damaged by fire: A multi-analytical investigation for revealing the original decorative pattern. Journal of Cultural Heritage (22). pp. 1055-1060. ISSN 1296-2074 [Article]

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Abstract (in English)

The finishes applied on stuccoworks deserves in-depth analytical investigations. A complete chemical and morphological survey is very useful in reconstructing the artist’s technique, the history of the artworks through the sequence of the applied layers, and is needed as a basis for any conservation approach. Microscopic observations, both optical and electronic (SEM), and spectroscopic analyses (Raman, FTIR and EDS) of gilded and polychrome finishes on plaster relieves, were carried out on 17 samples from a celebrated neoclassical hall in the Royal Palace of Milan (Hall of Caryatids). The original decorative pattern had been damaged during a bomb-induced fire in the Second World War. Most of the surfaces have been fatally compromised and blackened by the effects of the fire. The survey presented here analysed the materials constituting the stucco surfaces and the damage induced by the fire. Green pigments were individuated and mapped, although no green surfaces were visible to the naked eye. It was therefore possible to reconstruct a decorative pattern painted in green, gold and white, similar to traditions of decoration in Austria and southern Germany.

Item Type: Article
Authors:
Authors
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Sansonetti, Antonio
UNSPECIFIED
Striova, Jana
UNSPECIFIED
Biondelli, Danilo
UNSPECIFIED
Aliatis, Irene
UNSPECIFIED
Rampazzi, Laura
laura.rampazzi@uninsubria.it
Languages: English
Keywords: micro-Raman; micro-FTIR; fire damage; plaster gildings; coloured grounds; chrome green; Stucco works; analysis of materials; Damage; fire damage; pigments; restoration techniques; case studies; palaces; 17th; Italy
Subjects: A. THEORETICAL AND GENERAL ASPECTS > 06. History of architecture
A. THEORETICAL AND GENERAL ASPECTS > 07. History of conservation
C.ARCHITECTURE > 07. Decorations and ornaments
E.CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION > 12. Techniques
F.SCIENTIFIC TECHNIQUES AND METHODOLOGIES OF CONSERVATION > 13. Chemical analysis
F.SCIENTIFIC TECHNIQUES AND METHODOLOGIES OF CONSERVATION > 28. Infra red analysis
F.SCIENTIFIC TECHNIQUES AND METHODOLOGIES OF CONSERVATION > 34. Microanalysis
G.DETERIORATION > 04. Effects of deterioration
P. GEOGRAPHIC AREAS > 05. Europe
Name of monument, town, site, museum: Hall of Caryatids, Royal Palace of Milan (Italy)
Number: 22
ISSN: 1296-2074
Depositing User: dr Laura Rampazzi
Date Deposited: 05 Mar 2018 11:29
Last Modified: 05 Mar 2018 11:29
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URI: https://openarchive.icomos.org/id/eprint/1867

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