engleski

Conservation-Restoration prior to the Exhibition, Case Study of the 17th-Century Baroque Frame

The poster presents a chronology of investigation and conservation-restoration treatments on the baroque, 17th century, wood carved, gilded frame with original amalgam mirror. The cartouche-shaped frame has highly elaborate high relief carvings with motifs of acanthus leaves, volutes, and the eagle on the top. Historical and stylistic research brought out to light a hypothesis about the Roman origins of the mirror since similar examples, although of lesser quality, were found in literature and antique shops in Rome. Even the figuration of the eagle irresistibly reminds us of the eagle from the Roman empire emblem corresponding to the pure baroque tendencies inspired by Imperial Rome. The wood samples of the frame were analyzed and identified as Stone pine (Pinus Pinea) in the base frame and Limewood (Tilia) used for carvings. The object was found in a delicate condition, with severe structural damage to wood construction, missing carved elements, delamination of the gilded layer, and decades if not a centuries-old accumulation of dirt. Any kind of exposition typical for such three- dimensional objects were of significant risk of losing gilded surfaces as well as the layers of mirror amalgam due to its flaking from the crystal glass surface. Interventions included consolidation of amalgam, wood materials, and gilded surfaces, cleaning, and removal of inappropriate substructures causing further damage to the objects. The substructure of the frame was strengthened with carbon fibers, especially in the areas of structural fissures. Missing carvings were reconstructed, gilded, and worn out to fit the original gold. Finally, the mirror was permanently exhibited in Sponza Palace which homes the Statal Archive in Dubrovnik.

conservation-restoration ; baroque ; carving ; gilded frame ; stabilization ; exposition

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