In cooperation with Palacký University Olomouc, an X-ray analysis was conducted to assess the condition of the stucco decorations and the grottoes’ overall decoration. This analysis was followed by a structural analysis of the entire space. Experts from the Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ing. Jaroslav Valach, Ph.D., and his colleagues, conducted an X-ray analysis of selected stucco decorations to determine the condition of the metal fittings inside the material. This collaboration was part of the Erasmus + STUCCO DECORATION ACROSS EUROPE project (2022-1-CZ01-KA220-HED-000085652), co-financed by the European Union.
X-Ray Analysis
International Study of the Stucco Decoration
This collaboration built upon the interdisciplinary restoration research conducted in May 2022 on the stucco decoration of the northern hall of the Sala Terrena at the Archbishop’s Chateau in Kroměříž as part of the international workshop “Exploring the stucco decoration of the Sala Terrena by Baldassarre Fontana in the Kroměříž Chateau.” The workshop was organized by: Palacký University Olomouc, Faculty of Arts, Department of Art History; Peter Majoroš, restorer; Scuola universitaria professionale della Svizzera italiana, Dipartimento ambiente, costruzioni e design (Switzerland). It was held in cooperation with the Archbishopric of Olomouc, the Archbishop’s Chateau in Kroměříž, and the Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics of the Czech Academy of Sciences. The workshop aimed to conduct an interdisciplinary, international research of the stucco decorations in the northern hall of the Sala Terrena at the Archbishop’s Castle in Kroměříž. This included an analysis of the materials used, their chemical and technological properties, the technology used to create the stucco decorations, their state of preservation, and the diagnostics and identification of previous restorations and other interventions. Additionally, the workshop sought to collect and interpret art-historical documentation.
