Colors, Materials, and Techniques in Historical Buildings in Rome: Diagnostic Investigations and Case Studies

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the last few years, the study of the surface color of historical buildings has progressed as part of conservation and restoration efforts to comply with the aesthetics of historical and pre-existing materials. The main critical element related to this type of study is represented by the succession of various interventions of restoration and maintenance over time that has altered the original aesthetics of monuments by using materials and colors selected according to criteria, trends, and needs of succeeding historical eras. In this paper, the investigation of plasters and colored finishing layers applied on two historical buildings located in Rome and dating to the early 1900s is reported. Results were obtained through a specific diagnostic investigation plan focused on microscopic, morphological, and chemical characterizations of plasters and colored layers detected on the monument surfaces. All post-intervention phases and dates have been identified by comparing the results obtained with historical data. Important information was uncovered that helps in tracing the original aesthetic conception of the buildings and in planning restoration approaches which can be compatible both aesthetically and materially with the original work.