Academic thesis
| Ina Stey: | Apparently Wood. Investigation and Reconstruction of Baroque Wood Imitation Paintings in Eggenberg Palace | Back |
| Language: | Original - Translation | |
| Overview: |
|
|
| Abstract: | This study focuses on the analysis and reconstruction of historical finishes in the field of furniture conservation and restoration. The main objects of investigation are three chairs from Schloss Eggenberg, whose unusual finishes raise key questions about the original design of the Beletage. While some findings suggest a purely ochre-colored finish, other analyses indicate that a dark wood-grain imitation was an integral part of the original design concept. To determine the original finish of the objects, an interdisciplinary research approach was adopted, combining art historical sources, scientific analyses, and conservation techniques. Material analysis, particularly cross-sections and FTIR spectroscopy, enabled a detailed stratigraphic examination of the finishes, providing insights into their composition and historical classification. The results show that the ochre layer present on all objects did not serve as a final visible finish but rather as a base layer for a wood-grain imitation in dark tones. This finish aligns with the overall design scheme of the Beletage and the broader aesthetic concept of the palace. A key aspect of this study is the practical implementation of conservation and restoration measures. Various wood-grain imitation techniques were tested through experimental reconstructions to establish a well-founded basis for future restoration decisions. The findings of this study not only provide new insights into the original appearance of the furniture but also highlight the methodological challenges associated with interpreting historical finishes. The research underscores the necessity of a scientifically grounded and careful approach to historical surfaces to preserve both their material integrity and their aesthetic and art historical significance. |
| Keywords: | Wood Imitation Painting, Decorative Painting, Eggenberg Palace, Furniture Restoration, Reconstruction of Painting Technique, Retouching, Consolidation |
| Details: |
|
| Back | |
The Hornemann Institute offers only the information displayed here. For further information or copies of academic work, please contact the author or - if there is no contact provided - the secretariats of the respective faculties.