We invite you to explore five conservation issues presented by the project manager - prof. Jacek Martusewicz, professionally involved in the works presented in our project.
To understand to preserve
The task of the conservator of works of art is not only to preserve the material dimension of the work and to slow down the processes that contribute to its aging and destruction, but also to propose such a form of conservation or restoration that will be the most appropriate for its future exhibition.
Who are these saints?
On the ceramic decoration of the walls of the main cloister of the Santo Domingo monastery in Lima, made of azulejos, i.e. ceramic tiles decorated with colorful glazes, 54 saints are depicted in 60 images. Most of them belong to people associated with the Order of Preachers, i.e. Dominicans, who are still the owners of the monastery to this day.
Why make copies?
Why paint copies of paintings? The simplest answer is that although a copy will not replace the original, a good copy gives a much greater pleasure to interact with the work than even the best reproduction. However, art conservators paint copies for another very important reason: it is a unique opportunity to study the technique and technology of the original artwork.
Is the monastery in Lima
or on the Rimac River?
When Francisco Pizzaro officially founded La Ciudad de Reyes, or the City of Kings, on January 18, 1535, he placed it on the banks of the Rimac River, 12 km from the coast. The present name Lima probably comes from the name of this river.
What is invisible, which means, conservation attempts
Collecting samples for testing and performing technological tests are inseparable elements of the conservators' work. They start as early as the planning stage of the work and accompany it to the very end. However, they remain invisible once they are finished.