The walls of the Oratorio of San Giovanni Battista in Urbino are decorated with outstanding mural paintings dating back to the 15th century. Due to degradation processes that have occurred in the past years, such paintings require a conservative restoration project. In order to evaluate reasons of the decay, some scientific studies have been performed. They consist of macroscopic observations and chemical (EDS), morphological (SEM) and mineralogical (XRD) analyses of samples both from the original preparatory layers under the painted layers and from the restored plasters at the surbase of the wall. In addition, environmental studies have been performed to verify microclimatic conditions of the church in which the mural paintings are located. The results showed the occurrence of gypsum on the plaster samples coming from the lower and the higher surbase level. As a matter of fact, the presence of gypsum at the lower level could be due to its use as a binder and as aggregate in the plaster employed in the restoration work but it is highly water-soluble and prone to migration and to volume increase after crystallization. The sulphates at higher level could be presents as new-formed products. Based on this observations a conservative restoration project was proposed aimed to remove the old gypsum stucco works.
The Wall Paintings in The Oratorio Of San Giovanni Battista in Urbino: A Study Finalized to a Correct Conservation Project
MANGANI, FILIPPO
Funding Acquisition
;AMADORI, MARIA LETIZIAWriting – Original Draft Preparation
;MAIONE, MICHELAMembro del Collaboration Group
;
2001
Abstract
The walls of the Oratorio of San Giovanni Battista in Urbino are decorated with outstanding mural paintings dating back to the 15th century. Due to degradation processes that have occurred in the past years, such paintings require a conservative restoration project. In order to evaluate reasons of the decay, some scientific studies have been performed. They consist of macroscopic observations and chemical (EDS), morphological (SEM) and mineralogical (XRD) analyses of samples both from the original preparatory layers under the painted layers and from the restored plasters at the surbase of the wall. In addition, environmental studies have been performed to verify microclimatic conditions of the church in which the mural paintings are located. The results showed the occurrence of gypsum on the plaster samples coming from the lower and the higher surbase level. As a matter of fact, the presence of gypsum at the lower level could be due to its use as a binder and as aggregate in the plaster employed in the restoration work but it is highly water-soluble and prone to migration and to volume increase after crystallization. The sulphates at higher level could be presents as new-formed products. Based on this observations a conservative restoration project was proposed aimed to remove the old gypsum stucco works.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
