This course fully introduces the student to the study of painting conservation, paying particular attention to materials and techniques. Systems developed in Italy as well as those developed in the United States are studied. Students examine and work on actual damaged paintings, observing changes resulting from time and adverse environmental conditions, and learn to resolve problems through restoration procedures. Ethical guidelines, developed by modern art conservators, are discussed as the student participates in the restoration of damaged paintings. After a full analysis of the work, tests are performed to determine the appropriate restorative method to be used. Relining of the support, cleaning, plastering, and stabilizing of the color are carried out. Students also practice inpainting procedures in order to restore unity to an image damaged by loss of color using both “tratteggio” and deceptive methods. Visits are made to view great works of art which are either currently under restoration or have been recently restored, such as Masaccio’s Brancacci Chapel, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes, Raphael’s Palazzo Farnesina frescoes, and Simone Martini’s Maestà in the Palazzo Pubblico in Siena.

The links below lead to recent course syllabi for the above course. On the first day of class of each term, the instructor normally distributes to students an updated syllabus.

Credits – 3 : Offered – Fall, Spring, Late Spring, Summer
Prerequisite – None

This course continues an in-depth study of restoration techniques and methods. Particular attention is given to scientific techniques used by conservators, both in diagnostics and chemistry, as they relate to preservation. Students perform tests to determine which restoration technique should be employed in any given situation. They also analyze damage due to adverse environmental conditions and learn how to solve these problems. In addition, students also perform scientific analysis directly on Italian masterpieces in professional laboratories or on scaffoldings at actual restoration sites. Students have the opportunity to clean, plaster, retouch, and varnish a damaged antique artwork. They also learn professional methods of documenting their work.

The links below lead to recent course syllabi for the above course. On the first day of class of each term, the instructor normally distributes to students an updated syllabus.

Credits – 3 : Offered – Spring
Prerequisite – Beginning Painting Conservation I

This course focuses on Italian and international laws pertaining to art conservation in the fields of tutelage, safeguards, international circulation, and purchase of artworks. Students additionally investigate the business and legal aspects of running a private art conservation laboratory. They learn restoration terms and how to write technical cards, essays for catalogs, and articles for books and journals.

The link below leads to a recent course syllabi for the above course. On the first day of class of each term, the instructor normally distributes to students an updated syllabus.

Credits – 3 : Offered – Fall
Prerequisite – Instructor’s approval

This course is taught, under the direction of the Italian Ministry of Cultural and Artistic Heritage, at a restoration site in Florence. Students are given the opportunity to familiarize themselves with an actual restoration project by working directly with professionals in the field and understanding the relationship of the works being restored to their environment. The class works as a “team” of restorers, and much of the intervention is carried out by students with a direct, hands-on approach. Methods, techniques, procedures, and materials are discussed during the project as each phase of the restoration is carried out. In addition to workshop practice, conservation theory is an integral part of the class, and is also taught on site. Students explore historical concerns, ethical issues, problems in diagnostic analysis, and plans for future preservation of the artworks. Outstanding students in advanced conservation who have successfully finished their class work at SACI have the possibility of staying on for a month to do an internship in one of the top local restoration laboratories.

The links below lead to recent course syllabi for the above course. On the first day of class of each term, the instructor normally distributes to students an updated syllabus.

Credits – 3 : Offered – Fall, Spring
Prerequisite – Instructor’s approval

This course teaches students to read information about the artwork through diagnostic examinations. Students learn to recognize the state of conservation, the execution techniques, previous restorations, and, if possible, the date of the artworks. The first part of the course is based on optical and nuclear techniques for diagnostics. Lecturers discuss light structures, digital imaging, light detectors and sources, infrared reflectography, particle induced x-ray emission (PIXE), neutron activation analysis, atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), micro-raman spectroscopy, and dating techniques such as C14 and thermoluminescence. Principles and applications of laser cleaning are also introduced. In the second part of the course, image diagnostics are investigated, such as radiographic exams, ultraviolet fluorescence, and infrared photography.

The link below leads to a recent course syllabus for the above course. On the first day of class of each term, the instructor normally distributes to students an updated syllabus.

Credits – 3 : Offered – Spring
Prerequisite – Beginning Painting Conservation I and instructor’s approval

This course is designed to be used as a focal point for conservation students interested in archaeology or archaeological conservation. The instructors are some of Italy’s leading bronze and ceramics conservators. Work focuses on the practical conservation of ceramics using original Etruscan pieces from Italian official excavations and from archaeological museums. A wide range of objects presenting different conservation problems is available. More advanced students have the possibility of being introduced to methods of bronze and metal restoration. Field trips to dig sites are scheduled when possible. Conservation of Archaeological Objects is taught at the Centro di Restauro della Soprintendenza Archeologica della Toscana, Largo del Boschetto 3, (Soffiano) Firenze.

See information about the exhibition of artifacts restored by SACI students from Cetamura del Chianti, an Etruscan and Roman archaeological site in the Chianti region of Tuscany. 

The links below lead to recent course syllabi for the above course. On the first day of class of each term, the instructor normally distributes to students an updated syllabus.

Credits – 3 : Offered – Fall, Spring
Prerequisite – None