A basic knowledge of the main art techniques is needed. Also a basic knowledge of world's art history is highly recomended. 

The lessons aim to illustrate, through emblematic examples, the historical evolution of theories and practice of restoration from ancient times to the present days. Specifically, the following topics will be discussed:

Restoration of works of art of classical antiquity: Athens Acropolis and ancient Rome; ;

Archeology and restoration from the 1500 to 1700;

Restorations in the the eighteenth century, including revolutions, technological development;

Restorations on medieval works of art: Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and the restoration of Notre Dame cathedral in Paris;

The debate on authenticity in the 18 hundreds;

Cavalcaselle and Boito and the "philological" restoration;

Restoration between the two world wars;

The Athens Charter and the establishment of the Central Institute or Restoration in Rome;

Cesare Brandi's theory of restoration;

Restoration after the Florence flood: methods and theory;

Restoration in recent decades:

Through the case studies offered by the historical excursus on the events of restoration, the course aims to develop in students the ability to evaluate the state of conservation of works of art as an indispensable element of historical-critical analysis. Using the study of images, students will be invited to identify and distinguish the original parts from the altered ones and from the integrated or redone ones. Expected learning outcomes 1-Knowledge and understanding: Knowledge of the historical events of restoration  from the 16th century to today. Knowledge and understanding of the main theories of restoration; Knowledge of the technical language of the discipline. Theoretical knowledge of artistic techniques and restoration techniques. 2-Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Ability to recognize the material components of works of art and to identify the main executive techniques and procedures; the ability to recognize the restoration interventions that have already taken place and to envisage any subsequent interventions. 3-Independence of judgment, communication skills and learning ability: Students will be able to elaborate, communicate, present the contents with an appropriate language and using the technical terminology of the discipline, within a discourse based on specific knowledge and argued in a logical and consequential way. 

The lessons will be carried out through frontal teaching. Part of the time will be dedicated to reading and discussion texts and images in the classroom. 

The exam aims to assess the achievement of the following objectives: - Knowledge of the events and protagonists of the history of restoration from the 16th to the 20th century. - Knowledge of the main theories of restoration, with particular attention to Cesare Brandi's one. - Theoretical knowledge of restoration techniques in use between the 16th and 20th centuries.

November 11th, 2025

January 21th, 2026

February 5th, 2026

February 24th, 2026

March 31st, 2026

June 10th, 2026

June 29th,  2026

July 15th,  2026

September  9th, 2026

November 9th, 2026

Restoration of works of art of classical antiquity: Athens Acropolis and ancient Rome; ;

Archeology and restoration from the 1500 to 1700;

Restorations in the the eighteenth century, including revolutions, technological development;

Restorations on medieval works of art: Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and the restoration of Notre Dame cathedral in Paris;

The debate on authenticity in the 18 hundreds;

Cavalcaselle and Boito and the "philological" restoration;

Restoration between the two world wars;

The Athens Charter and the establishment of the Central Institute or Restoration in Rome;

Cesare Brandi's theory of restoration;

Restoration after the Florence flood: methods and theory;

Restoration in recent decades:

Texts and studying materials will be provided during the lessons.