Zprávy památkové péče 2020, 80(3-4):282-291 | DOI: 10.56112/zpp.2020.3.05

Materials on the history of stucco

Jana Waisserová, Milena Poeta

Katedra dějin umění, FF Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci

When we look at the term "stucco" in more detail, a very complex system of architectural surfaces comes into play. The questions thus arise: what exactly does this term mean, when did it originate, and how should it be used? When the moment comes that the technique must be replicated, these questions should be answered in detail, and a "classical" analysis of the terminology is no longer sufficient.
An ongoing interdisciplinary research of Renaissance stucco has shown that certain stuccos are so specific in matter and technology that they cannot be replicated using modern materials, despite the application of modern research and analytical methods. This results in problems related to their restoration, among others.
One way to solve this is to compare the composition of historical mortars with period recipes. At the same time, it is not always easy to connect the specific knowledge of restorers and technologists concerning the composition of mortars with the theoretical information from period recipes as interpreted by art historians; this makes the linguistic aspect all the more crucial in multidisciplinary research. Attention given to correctly translating period works, supplemented by restorers' knowledge and practical experience, can provide a new perspective and facilitate research and practice.
Regarding the linguistic aspect of stucco research, one must begin with the duality of stucco terminology. The terms used in connection with stucco can be divided according to whether they indicate a visual or technological characteristic. This thesis is based on examples of words and their meaning from a linguistic point of view. The words grottesche and opus albarium, for example, represent a purely visual characteristic, while on the contrary, the words intonaco and stucco imply the hidden process of the craft work; other words even suggest the composition of the material itself.
The article takes the text from Francesco Carradori, especially his chapter on stucco accompanied by illustrations with captions, and works using a method based on the confrontation of language (interpretation of words) and direct practical experience from restoration practice. For specific tools, we present difficult interpretations into current terminology, such as the speraviero. We learn about important work procedures in the production of stucco, such as the application of modeling into fresh mortar, through captions of pictures of various brushes with the shape of the brush indicated for a specific purpose. By assembling information on placing the stucco mixture on a wooden tray (vassojo), or by analyzing words conveying information about a specific hand movement (aggravare), the stucco production process can be hypothetically compiled.
Other terms, such as those associated with forms of lime (calce, calcina, grassello) or gypsum (gesso) present a challenging research problem; the Czech expression is thus confronted with historical techniques of raw material processing. Without a multidisciplinary confrontation, which however begins at the very root of the language, it is impossible to find the correct interpretation for specific practical objectives in the application of heritage care.

Keywords: stucco, craft, materials, tools, linguistic analysis, Italian

Published: September 1, 2020  Show citation