UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS, College of Architecture
A History of Architectural Conservation
Based on the book “History of Architectural
Conservation” by Jukka Jokilehto
Cultural Heritage
• The cultural heritage may be defined as the
entire corpus of material signs –
– either artistic or symbolic
– handed on by the past to each
culture and, therefore, to the whole
of humankind.
• As a constituent part of the affirmation and
enrichment of cultural identities,
• as a legacy belonging to all humankind,
• the cultural heritage gives each particular place
its recognizable features and is the storehouse
of human experience.
• The preservation and the presentation of the
cultural heritage are therefore a corner-stone
of any cultural policy.
From traditional to modern society
• What is today considered the physical cultural
heritage of humanity results from long
developments and traditional transfer of know-
how in particular societies, as well as of
influences and ‘cross fertilization’ between
different cultures and civilizations.
• The oldest urban settlements were founded in
Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and
China, forming the world’s culturally richest
region that extended over to the
Mediterranean.
BBC Civilizations 2003
• In this context of early kingdoms and empires
there was a basis for the development,
consolidation, and diversification of particular
artistic conceptions, and cultural inputs,
techniques, and know-how.
• Diffusion of influences came through various
types of contacts and traditional links,
conquests and commercial connections, such
as the Silk Roads linking the Mediterranean
with the Orient, or the pilgrimage routes in
various parts of mediaeval Europe.
• While America received its first inhabitants
from Asia over the Bering Strait, and developed
its distinct cultures,
• Europe emerged from the classical world
through the Middle Ages;
• later it developed technologies and methods of
industrial production that allowed commercial
benefit and ruling over traditional societies.
Threats on Cultural Heritage
• The built heritage is continuously subject to
various types of deterioration: including
weathering, the ageing process, and
consumption by use.
• The degree of wear depends on the type of
structure and material of the building;
consequently, repair traditions may differ in
different cultures and geographical regions.
UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS, College of Architecture
Principles of Conservation
• Buildings can also be modified due to changes
in function, or due to changes in taste or
fashion.
• Many of the areas with the richest and most
creative cultures are subject to natural risks,
such as earthquakes and floods, that have
caused – and continue to cause – irreparable
damage and destruction of historic buildings
and works of art.
• Furthermore, armed conflicts, wars,
revolutions, conquests, willful damage, and
demolition add to the long list of risks to
heritage caused by humankind itself.
• Such damage was often repaired, or the
buildings rebuilt, but excessive damage could
result in the abandonment of entire cities and
regions.
Early Approach To Conservation
Beginnings in the Renaissance
Early Approach
• Francesco Petrarch, poet and scholar(1307-74)
• In his writings, he introduced this new concept,
the lament for Rome, Deploratio urbis, with
sentiments that already pointed towards
Romanticism.
• He railed against the ignorant neglect and
destruction of these remains by the Romans
themselves
• He revived the interest in antiquity
• In 1391, as a poet, a symbolic coronation
ceremony in honor of him was given in Rome
Humanists, Poets and Painters
• Ancient remains were of great interest to
others besides architects- to humanists,
historians, antiquarians, poets artists,
collectors and politicians
• Studies and descriptions, typology, recordings,
collection of documents
• This laid the foundation for later developments
in history and archeology
• Ruins became subject of neo-Latin literature
and poetry
• Classical buildings are depicted in paintings,
frescoes, engravings, drawings
Filippo Brunelleschi
• (1377– April 15, 1446) was one of the foremost
architects and engineers of the Italian
Renaissance.
• All of his principal works are in Florence, Italy
• in (1402-1404) that Brunelleschi and his friend
Donatello visited Rome to study the ancient
Roman ruins.
• They received their training in a goldsmith's
workshop, and had then worked in Ghiberti's
studio
• They gained inspiration too from ancient
Roman authors, especially Vitruvius whose De
Architectura provided an intellectual
framework for the standing structures still
visible
• He measured all important buildings
Fifteenth-Century Architectural Treatises
Vitruvius Rediscoveries
• The most important source for the study of
classical architecture was the treatise De
Architectura by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, an
architect and engineer who had held a position
in the rebuilding of Rome during the reign of
Augustus.
• The treatise was probably written before 27
B.C., and during the first century A.D.
• Many gave particular attention to questions
related to durability and the need for regular
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UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS, College of Architecture
maintenance, as well as to analysis of the
causes of failure and the repair of structural
defects.
Leon Battista Alberti
• (February 18, 1404 – April 20, 1472)
• an Italian author, artist, architect, poet, priest,
linguist, philosopher, and cryptographer, and
general Renaissance humanist polymath.
In Italy, this first name is usually spelled
"Leone", but Alberti is known as Leon
• Alberti’s main work was the ten books on
architecture, De re aedificatoria, written in
Latin between 1443 and 1452, and published
after his death in 1485.
As a result of his mathematical interests, he
developed a technique for drawing maps with
polar coordinates referred to a central point,
preparing a map of Rome with the Capitol Hill
as the reference point, published in
DescripHOMEtio urbis Romae, in 1450.
• He was aware that large-scale construction
could take more than a lifetime to achieve, and
recommended that those responsible for
continuing a building should examine it
thoroughly and understand it well in order to
‘adhere to the original Design of the Inventor’,
and not spoil the work that had been well
begun.
• Defects that could be improved by restoration
are the subject of the tenth book of the
treatise.
• He saw historic buildings as worthy of
protection because of their inherent
architectural qualities, solidity, beauty, their
educational value and their historical value as
well.
Filarete (Antonio di Pietro Averlino or Averulino)
• born c. 1400, Florence?
died c. 1469, Rome
• architect, sculptor, and writer, who is chiefly
important for his Trattato d 'architettura
(“Treatise on Architecture”), which described
plans for an ideal Renaissance city. Based on
the study of classical monuments.
• He made an analogy between architecture and
the human body. A building will get sick if it not
maintained, (master/doctor=architect)
Francisco di Giorgio Martini
• (1439 – 1502) was an Italian painter of the
Sienese School, a sculptor, an architect and
theorist, and a military engineer who built
almost seventy fortifications for the Duke of
Urbino.
• He composed an architectural treatise Trattato
di architettura, ingegneria e arte militare that
he worked on for decades and finished
sometime after 1482; it circulated in
manuscript
• He made record of ruined buildings before all
disappeared. He was called the “restorer of
ancient ruins”
Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci
• (April 15, 1452 – May 2, 1519) was an Italian
polymath, scientist, mathematician, engineer,
inventor, anatomist, painter, sculptor,
architect, botanist, musician and writer.
• Leonardo has often been described as the
archetype of the Renaissance man, a man
whose unquenchable curiosity was equaled
only by his powers of invention.
• He related buildings to human beings.
• Man’s health depends on the harmony of
elements, similarly in buildings one should
understand the causes of decay in order to
cure it.
UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS, College of Architecture
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• He was interested in structural behavior,
problems on structural failure, treatment of
wood on masonry
Early Practice and Protection
Protective Measures before the Renaissance
• In the ancient world, special values in historic
buildings or remains have given to rise to
attempts to protect, conserve and restore
them
th th
13 -14 Century B.C.
• In many instances, the Bible refers to repair
and maintenance, especially in relation to the
magnificent temple founded by King Solomon
(c. 1015–977 BC) in his renewed capital city of
Jerusalem.
• The Hebrew expression ‘bedeq habayit’ (‘repair
of the house’), is, in fact, unique in the Bible,
and refers only to the repair of the Temple.
Books II Kings and II
• Chronicles refer to large-scale campaigns for its
repair and maintenance, one at the time of
King Jehoash (839–798 BC), the other of King
Josaiah (639–609 BC).
rd
• Egypt – 3 Millennium B.C.
• The damaged right arm of Ramses II in the
Great Temple of Abu-Simbel was given support
of a simple block.
First Century B.C.
• In ancient Rome, there were specific
regulations guarantee that new buildings were
designed in harmony within the existing built
context.
• Good building practice and maintenance were
some of the leading themes in De Architectura,
the influential manual by Vitruvius
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5 Century Athenian
• They decided not to rebuild the temples
destroyed by the Persians but to keep their
remains as memorials
• Greek word “monument” was related to
memory.
64 A D, Rome
• After the fire of Nero, culturally writers
lamented the loss of many buildings
• Concern on the protection of remains of a
burnt house of Oenomaus, Olympia
AD 126 , Rome
• Monuments were related to concept of
political and moralistic issues.
• Reminders as the power of the governors
• Respect to the original builders
th
7 Century
• Islamic society also had a traditional system of
maintenance and repair of community
properties; this was organized within a type of
endowment called waqf (vaqf).
• The waqf system resulted from the relation of
Islamic philosophy to social justice, and was
based on voluntary contributions or on transfer
of inheritance to a common endowment fund
used to manage properties such as mosques,
schools, caravanserais, and public and social
services.
th
4 Century – Christianized Rome
• Use of spoils from old monuments,
• vandalism threatened the pagan temples and
public buildings
• Special laws and orders were issued
• Theodoric, the Great (493-526) revived some
Roman laws
th th
4 – 14 Century, Rome
• Rome served as a symbolic capital of Christian
Church
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UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS, College of Architecture
• A center of pilgrimage
• Enemy attacks, and earthquakes, demolition of
buildings reduced magnificent monuments
• Some are preserved and protected due to
patriotic or symbolic reasons
Condition of Buildings in Rome at the End of the Middle
Ages
th th
4 – 14 Century, Rome
• Rome served as a symbolic capital of Christian
Church
• A center of pilgrimage
• Enemy attacks, and earthquakes, demolition of
buildings reduced magnificent monuments
• Some are preserved and protected due to
patriotic or symbolic reasons
• Ancient ruins were occupied and into the urban
fabric, while outside the city, they remained
isolated.
• Many temples had been transformed into
churches.
Treatment of Buildings in the Fifteenth Century
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15 Century
• Papal measures for Protection
• Martin V (1417-31) issued a bull and
established on office responsible for the
maintenance of infrastructures and buildings.
Nicholas V (1447-55)
• Included in his building programs were:
defense against Ottoman, repair and improved
fortifications in different papal states
improvement of infrastructures and papal
residence.
• Castel Sant’ Angelo and St. Peter’s formed the
nucleus of his projects.
• He intended to restore the forty Churches of
the Stations instituted by Pope Gregory I.
• Santo Stefano Rotonda (468-483) was most
extensively restored in this period.
Pius II (1458-64)
• The humanist pope, he issued a bull specifically
for the preservation of ancient remains such as
Ecclesiastical buildings and Burials and relics of
holy men
Paul II (1464-71)
• He engaged Guiliano da Maiano together with
Alberti to restore and consolidate the San
Marco Church
• He advocated the restoration of triumphal
arches and the equestrian statue of Marcus
Aurelius
Sixtus IV (1471-84)
• ‘Restaurator Urbis’
• Established improved constitutions for the
growth and splendour of Rome
• Rebuilding of Ponte Sisto
• Repair and restoration of many palaces and
religious buildings
Collection and Restoration of Objects
Collections of Ancient Rome
• The Collection Greek art during the capture of
Syracuse in 212 B.C.
• Looting and war brought more works of art as
war trophies.
• Many emperors themselves became interested
in collecting like Nero (54-68 AD)
• Rome became both museum and world market
for art dealers
Renaissance Collections
• After 400 A D, Rome was looted and many of
the works of art were dispersed, destroyed,
and buried underground.
• After an interval of about a thousand years,
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14 Century humanist started to collect
antique objects.
• Ex. Medici’s, Conzaga’s, Storfa’s Collections
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• In the 15 century collectors commissioned
artists to restore antique fragments
• Others were reproduce, sold and copied
• In the early collections, mutilated antique
statues and architectural fragments were left
as found and displayed in the court and interior
of the palace
th
• In the 15 century collectors commissioned
artists to restore antique fragments, and
sculptures
• Donatello, Raphael, Bramante, Michael Angelo
th
Architectural Treatises in 16 Century
• Treatises became more strictly architectural
with emphasis on illustrations, an ABC for
practitioners.
• Rules on Five Orders by Jacopo Barozzi Vignola,
1562
• Four Books on Architecture by Andrea Palladio,
1570
• Illustrated Vitruvius edition by Palladio and D.
Barbaro, 1556
• The Antichita di Roma guidebook, 1554
th
Treatment of Buildings in the 16 Century
• With new wealth arriving from America, Rome
was able to spend more money in building
activities.
• Pope Leo X (1513-21) commissioned Bramante
to expand and Beldeverde and St. Peter’s
basilica.
• Raphael introduced the study of authentic
works of arts and monuments, he measured
and draw ancient monuments and assisted
Bramante in the construction of St. Peter’s
• to augment the construction of St Peter’s
massive walls, destruction of ancient
monuments were allowed except for those
with inscriptions and writings
• The sack of Rome by Charles V’s troops in 1527
brought the Renaissance papacy to an end.
• It is responsible for the destruction of ancient
monuments, archives, libraries, and patrician
wealth
Pius IV (1559-65)
• Dedicated the Diocletian Bath to the Martyrs as
indicated by Fr. Antonio del Duca in his vision
• Michael Angelo designed the S. Maria degli
Angeli on the former Diocletian Bath with
minimum intervention and adding new
structures or changes when necessary
Paul III (1534-49)
• He nominated Manetti as Commissioner of
Antiquities
• He ordered the transport of the Equestrian
statue of Marcus Aurelius
• Excavation permits are required to protect
ancient monuments
Sixtus V (1585-90)
• His ambition is to eradicate heresy and idolatry,
thus he destroyed some ancient monuments,
others he restored and dedicated to Christian
purposes
• Domenico Fontana was his principal architect
• He used the obelisk as part of his master plan
to mark major sites in the city
• The Romans transported six large and 42 small
obelisks.
• Fontana was commissioned to prepare a
project for the Colosseum as a wool factory
Archeological Interest and Collections
Seventeenth Century
• Antiquarianism became fashionable in many
European countries
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UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS, College of Architecture
• Collections were made of antiquities, copies of
well-known pieces, or locally found objects
• Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) collections
• Nicolas Claude Fabri de Peiresc- first
archeologist
Early Greek explorations
• Charles I acquired some Greek antiquities
• 1620’s, Thomas Howard collection named
Arundle marbles were restored
• 1674,M. Oriel de Nointel visited the Acropolis,
Athens
• End of the century journeys were organized to
explore the Greek islands and Palmyra
Giovan Pietro Bellori
• also known as Giovanni Pietro Bellori 1613 -
1696) was a prominent biographer of the
Italian Baroque artists of the seventeenth
century.
• As an art historian, he was the Baroque
equivalent of Giorgio Vasari.
• Nominated Commissioner of Antiquities, to
survey, draw classify, thus preparing the
foundation of archeological study
• Restoration of paintings –respect for the
original
Maratta’s Concept of painting –justify intervention
by providing descriptions prior to restoration
Restoration of Classical Monuments
Seventeenth Century
• Alexander VII Chigi (1655-67) published an
edict to maintain ancient Roman structures
The Pantheon
• 1625-Urban VIII dismantled the portico for the
bronze lintels for artillery but found mixed with
gold and silver and later used for the baldachin
of St. Peter ‘s
• 1626 - addition of two new campanile
• Bernini prepared plans for the its restoration
• Dedicated to the martyrs called Santa Maria
Rotonda
• 1662- demolition of barracks and houses
around it. Restoration of the portico
• 1667- replacement of columns
• Became a Mausoleum for the Chigi Family
• Piazza was excavated and an obelisk erected
The Colosseum
• Painters had chosen it as symbol for the
passion of the martyrs
• 1490- Innocent VIII permitted the performance
of religious character which developed into
traditional Passion play at Easter
• 1587 Sixtus V planned to demolish part of it for
a construction of a road, but did not pushed
because of public protest
• 1671 – a proposal to use it as arena for
bullfights but strongly opposed
• Fr Carlo Tomasi commissioned Bernini to
prepare plans for its use as a Temple for
Martyrs, but this were not carried out
• 1675 Jubileum-A large cross was placed on top
of the amphitheatre
Treatment of Medieval Buildings after the Reformation
The Reformation
• October 31, 1517- Martin Luther, a German
religious reformer, nailed his ninety five these
on indulgences on the Church door at
Wittemberg, his attacks include strong
condemnation of monasticism
• The reformation movement throughout Europe
leading to fundamental changes in political,
social and economic life
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• Northern Europe, German countries, England
and Scandinavia had taken the line of reformed
church
• Immigration of various groups to America and
South Africa due to religious differences
• The Thirty Years War (1618-48) ravaged the
whole of Central Europe and caused damaged
to historic buildings and towns.
Italy
• 1530’s- Counter Reformation
• 1563- Council of Trent , guidelines on the
treatment of existing church buildings, interiors
were renovated
• Gothic was condemned , but buildings could
be completed with respect to the original style
North of the Alps
• 1524- The Council of Zurich dissolved religious
houses, setting their revenues apart for
education or social improvement programs
• France medieval buildings suffered damage but
Philibert de l’Orme recommended
transformation instead of destruction
th
• In Germany Gothic style survived long into 17
Century the conflict with classicism was felt in
th
the 18 Century
Neoclassicism and Picturesque
Archeological Interests in the Age of Enlightenment
th th
18 Century – 19 Century
• The Age of enlightenment was based on the
humanistic, philosophical and scientific
th
concepts of the 17 Century.
• freedom of thought and religious tolerance
• The quality of printing improved and publishing
was widespread
• Denis Diderot published the Encyclopédie
(1751-1772)
• Libraries become more accessible
• Scientific inventions lead to industrialization
• Social equality and political representation
• French Revolution (1789) marked the beginning
of a new era
England
• Grand Tours – the education of the English
gentlemen
• The Society of Antiquaries was founded in 1717
• The Society of Dilettanti in 1734 (travelers)
• Richard Boyle-connoisseur toured Italy with his
friend Wiilliam Kent.
• They introduced Palladianism in England
• A new style was introduced- Neoclassicism
France
• Collections and publications (book by A.
Desgodetz in 1682)
• Connections with Italy, French Academy in
Rome and Accademia di San Luca
• to study Roman classical monuments, measure
and proposed restorations
Italy
• Archeological discoveries brought
Neoclassicism a reactionary movement against
Rococo and excesses of the late Baroque.
• buried 79 in AD, Herculaneum (1738) , Pompeii
and Stabia (1748) were discovered
• A museum in Portici was built where objects
from the archeological sites were displayed
• A legislation to protect the objects against
illegal transport
J.J. Winkelmann
• J.J. Winkelmann- German researcher, teacher,
publicist, father of archeology,
• Chief of Antiquities in Rome (1763)
• Scriptor linguae graecae at the Vatican Library
(1764)
• “ideal beauty found In classical Greek sculpture
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UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS, College of Architecture
Cavaceppi and Milizia
• Cavaceppi on restoration of sculptures
– Knowledge of history of art and
mythology
– new parts will be made of the same
type of material and with complete
respect with the original
– Addition must be adjusted to the
broken surface
– Restoration for educational value
• Francesco Milizia wrote a 2 volume
biographical dictionary in 1785
Publications about Antiquities
• Publications on archeological and architectural
subjects, reprints of treatises
• Awareness of ‘universal value’ and general
feeling of responsibility for their care
• Concept of universality of cultural heritage-
products that contain the value of authenticity
belong to all humanity
• Goethe (1813) “science and art belong to the
world”
• Vedutisti- visitors to Rome, to document the
minutest detail, resembling photographic
illustrations of the ruins
• J.B. Fischer published an illustrated history of
architecture in 1721
• James Stuart and Nicholas Revett Two
volumes: The Antiquities of Athens published in
1762 and 1789
• Giambattista Piranesi admired the Baroque-
like richness of the Roman buildings and also
prepared the map of Rome
English Aesthetic Theories
The picturesque and the sublime
Picturesque
– (characteristic to painting or to painters)
Natural beauty connected to painting and
poetry
– Related to folkloric scenes
– Present in theatrical scenography
• Claude and Poussin were the leading landscape
painters
Sublime (1674)
• Greatness of conception, elevation of diction,
and emotional intensity
• Boileau defined it as the extraordinary, the
surprising and the marvellous in discourse
• Linked with great, wild, awe-inspiring and
stupendous elements in natural scenery
English Garden Design
• English gardens’ layout freer in design and
variety
– John Vanbrugh (1664) tried to save
the Woodstock Manor for its
picturesque design
– William Kent (1685-1784) developed
the spatial concept in garden design
introducing architectural elements
(replicas of classical ruins and gothic
buildings)
English Garden Design and Nationalistic Values
• Lancelot Brown (1770s) brought the English
garden to its fullest expression
• he has the ability to create a succession of
pictures” and improving and embellishing the
general views by variety
• Classicism in architecture and the English
informal landscape garden both came to be
considered expressions of liberty and liberality
• ‘poetique des ruines’ was introduced in France
in 1770s
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• Picturesque illustrations became fashionable in
1781-86
Restoration of Paintings
• Techniques for the detachment of the paint
layer, either fresco or oil paint, from its
original, damaged support, were developed in
the 1740s in France and 1750s in England
• The concept of ‘patina’ (brownish overall
tonality) was accepted
• Different methods of cleaning were tried
• Pietro Edwards organized programmes of
preventive maintenance and suggested to carry
out research to find suitable methods in
restoration
• He permitted reintegration of losses in
paintings but with full respect for the original,
it should be reversible and materials should
not be harmful to the original
• In 1745 restoration gained recognition as a
profession in Milan
• In Venice an organization was appointed for
the protection of these precious ornaments
• In 1819 a school of restorers was established
Restoration of Classical Monuments in Italy
Colosseum
• In 1700, Clement XI closed the arcades
transform it to a manure deposit for the
production of salpetre
• In 1703, a part collapsed due to an earthquake
• In 1708, Carlo Fonatana prepared a study for its
restoration and plans for a church and a
fountain
• In 1744, Benedict XIV publish an edict to
prohibit the violation of the Colosseum
• In 1745, a cross was erected in the center to
the memory of the martyrs
The Arch of Constantine
• In the 1730s it received some attention
• Clement XIII and the Conservatori of Rome
ordered the restoration of the Arch under
Mssr. Marchesi Allessandro Capponi. He
restored the columns, cornices and statues
Obelisks
• Four obelisks were erected
• One in front of the Pantheon for Clement XI in
1711
• Three were erected by Pius VI by Giovanni
Antinori
• Quirinal Hill
• Spanish Steps (1789)
• Piazza di Montecitorio (1790-92) Restoration
was done to distinguish the addition from the
original
• Conserved for their Architectural and sculptural
values
The French Revolution
Destruction
• The storming and demolition of the Bastille in
1789 symbolized the beginning of the French
Revolution
• An era of destruction of works of art and
historic buildings in France
• In 1792 vandalism and destruction was
supported by legal acts
• In Paris, medieval churches and convents were
demolished or converted to other purposes.
• Notre Dame lost the rows of the statues of the
Kings and was used as storage in 1794
• Palaces and castles were forcibly entered,
collections sold and vandalized
• The Property of the church, feudal Lords were
considered national property
Orders of Protection
• Decrees ordering the municipal or state
administrations to prepare a lists of this
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UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS, College of Architecture
property, movable objects and monuments and
to constitute guardians (Commision des
monuments later Commision temporaire des
arts)
• In 1793, an Instructions for Inventory and
Conservation was approved
• In 1794 Abbe Gregorie drew attention to the
educational reasons for the conservation of
cultural heritage
Museum and Collections
• Education has become the means towards
rebirth and glory
• Access to libraries, museums (Palace of the
Louvre), collections were offered to the people
• Wealth of objects was now their heritage and
responsibility
• According to Quatremere de Quincy- art
belonged in their cultural and geographical
context
• Against the ‘bouquet de Napoleon’ from Rome
(rare books, famous works of art)
• France learned to appreciate and reflect on the
history of the country through this unknown
works of art
• The 1801 Concordat between Pius VII and
Napoleon brought formal peace between state
and the church
Development of Conservation Theories
Restoration of Classical Monuments
Principles during the French Revolution
• Concepts defined after the revolution gave a
drastic contribution toward an understanding
of the documentary, scientific and artistic
values contained in the heritage
• Heritage must be preserved in-situ
• It has to be inventorised, classified and
conserve to pass it with eventual ‘new pages’
to the memory of future generation
• Each citizen had his moral responsibility and
had to give account to the Nation not only
today but also for the future
• Heritage conceived in the widest panorama of
human intellect, architecture and art of the
past centuries especially the middle ages had
an important position.
• Classicism and Greek style was dominant
fashionable, it was only in 1830s that medieval
structures gained a lasting appreciation
Restoration of Classical Monuments in Papal State
• After the Revolution the papal states were
restored to the Pope.
• Pope Pius VII took the Papal Sea in 1800, one
of his concerns was to oversee the protection
and eventual restoration of ancient
monuments and the excavation in the hope of
discovering more antiquities
• Tha act of 1802 signed by Cardinal Pamphilj
emphasized the political, educational and
economic significance of the ancient works of
art for the present state.
• The concept of respecting the original material
in the process of restoration had matured
th
during the 18 century inspired by the writings
of Bellori and Winklemann
th
• In the first decade of the 19 century, respect
for authenticity of the material consistency of
the monuments was reconfirmed
• Antonio Canova and Carlo Fea surveyed
zealously the maintenance, care and
consolidation of the ancient monuments in
order to preserve their minutest details
• In 1813, Count Montalivet applied a different
approach: to emphasize the architectural
values and make at least partial reconstruction
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Principles of Conservation
when necessary to display them to visitors as
part of historic urban decor
Quatremere de Quincy
• Restoration completes the architectural form
and must allow the visitor to distinguish the
old from the new in a way that there is no
attempt to falsify the original
th
• From the middle of the 18 Century. Accurate
archeological survey, careful and detailed study
of classical monuments, a recording of its
present state, a study of authorities, graphic
restorations on paper.
• Approach was also applied to medieval
th
structures in the 19 century
Restoration of Classical Monuments in France
• In 1807, the Conseil des Batiments recommend
methods of consolidation should be studied to
respect the character of the Roman buildings,
not to change anything of the state of the ruins
as they are at present and to strive to
strengthened them for a long period of time
• in 1807-1809 the triumphal arch of Orange was
consolidated with full respect to the original
structure, the lost part were completed with
plain masonry without the attempt to
reconstruct, it was completed in 1824 by
architect A-N Caristie
Restoration of Classical Monuments in Greece
• In the 1830s after the Greek independence the
Roman principles defined by Quatremere were
applied in the re-erection of the ancient
monuments of the Acropolis, Athens
• Authenticity of materials were fully respected
• In 1834 a law on the protection of the historic
monuments was received
• All objects of antiquity are regarded as
common national possession of all Hellenes,
even objects from the Christian epoch and
Middle ages
• The law was prepared with the assistance of
Ludwig Maurer .
• Along side Hesse-Darmstadt, Greece became
one of the foremost lands in terms of
conservation legislation
English Antiquarianism
English Connection with the Classicism
th
• In 18 century England had strong connections
with the source of classicism, artists and
architects were trained in the ‘grand tours’
• Sir Christopher Wren appreciated the
workmanship of the medieval builders, repairs
were conceived in harmony with the whole
• John Vanburgh Garden and landscape design
were liked with classical landscape ideals
gradually turned to picturesque medieval ruins
and structures
James Essex and the Gothic
• Sir Horace Walpole initiated a series of
alterations in Gothic style in his country
houses, this set a fashion for novels of Gothic
horror
• James Essex (1722-84) known as the ‘Gothic
architect’ took antiquarian interest in medieval
architecture (adhere to the original intentions
of the builder)
• Published measured drawings, papers on
Gothic architecture
• He repaired and restored numerous buildings
such as Ely and Lincoln cathedral
Restoration by James Wyatt
• John Wyatt was criticized with his work in the
Durnham Cathedral
• Applying structural and functional
improvements, with the Dean and Chapters
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UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS, College of Architecture
they aimed at the unification of the whole
internal space by removing any hindering
obstacles
• On the other hand there were those who
appreciated his work such at the Salisbury and
Fonthill Abbey
Restoration by John Carter
• John Carter (1748-1817)
– Published a Literary work of 212
articles ‘Pursuits of architectural
innovation’
– Carter’s vocabulary contained
concepts as: alteration, beautifying,
damage, destruction, improvement,
innovation, repairing, and
restoration, meant different degrees
of negative or destructive treatment
of historic buildings
Early Restoration in Germanic Countries
German Nationalism and Historic Monuments
• Primitive popular traditions and folklore were
revealed as the creative forces of a nation,
becoming the source of inspiration for German
nationalism and romanticism.
• J. W. von Goethe (1749-1832) discovered the
splendors of Gothic architecture in Strasbourg
Cathedral and wrote that this is the highest
expression of nationalism: the German
architecture, their architecture.
• Early orders of protection were made in 1771,
1780, 1779.
• In 1779-85, Christian Cay Laurenz Hirschfield
published the first theory of landscape art in
th
Germany, in the 19 century romantic
picturesque castles or artificial ruins became
fashionable
• Gothic revival buildings were built
• Respect for the original style when repairing
and reconstructing or redecorating medieval
buildings
• Appreciation of the Gothic cathedrals as
national monuments by writers such as W. H.
Wackenroder (1749-1803) and George Foster
(1754-94)
Friedrich Gilly (1772-1800)
• Friedrich Gilly (1772-1800) noted the
importance of the Castle of Marienburg as a
monument and made plans for its restoration
• Boisseree Brothers became collectors of art
and conservator, published a study of medieval
architecture and emphasized the significance
of Gothic architecture
• Cologne cathedral repairs was commenced in
1808 by Baurath Georg Moller (1784-1852)
• 1823, Boisseree publised his drawings of the
Cologne Cathedral
K.F. Schinkel and State Care
• Karl Friedrich Schinkel became the leading
Prussian architect and authority on
architecture in Germany
• as a member of the Ober-Bau-Department
(1170)/ Technische Ober-Bau-Deputation
(1804), he submitted report s of the state of
public buildings; these became the basis for
the conservation of their cultural heritage:
– Inventory, conditions
– Plans how to preserve
– National education (musei
– Circulars
– Organizations (Ministry of Culture,
1835; Conservator of Art
Monuments, 1843)
Government Protection
• Substantial changes in public buildings must be
communicated with the Ober-Bau Deputation
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• Safe guard castles and convents not in use
• Protection from damage or loss of character
• Conserve works of historical, scientific and
technical value and interest
• Administrators must take care and maintain
even ruins and proper use of historic buildings
Schinkel concepts:
• He was not in favor of pure conservation and
planned to re- establish historic building to its
old form if this had been lost
• Conservation must be conscious of certain
limits, preferred cautiously, most rational and
economical solutions
• He recommended objects were kept in their
original site
• In 1883, E. F. Zwirner (1802-61), Gothic revival
architect together with Schinkel started plans
for the completion of the Cologne Cathedral in
all its details.
Its restoration was only completed in 1880
• The second important restoration in Prussia
was Marienburg Castle (1790s)
• Theodor von Schoen as Ober-Prasident of
West Prussia took interest in the castle and
raised funds
• Johann Conrad Costenoble was the restoration
architect
F.v. Quast, State Conservator
• Ferdinand von Quast (1807-77), architect and
historian was the first state conservator
• In 1837 he drafted a ‘Pro Memoria’ concerning
conservation of Antiquities in Prussia
• He travelled around Prussia to report the
condition of on historic buildings, but for ‘free
private property’ the conservator had to rely
on local and provincial authorities in case there
was a need for intervention
• From 1845-67, he participated in international
meetings on architectural history and
archeology were discussed ,he represented the
Prussian Government
Ferdinand von Quast’s principles
• Avoid artistic or archeological restorations and
so-called purifications which he considered
destructive
• Respect all parts of the structure and for
monuments of any age that had artistic or
historic value,
• Critical judgment in deciding to restore older
parts, all aspects poor and valueless parts must
be removed
• Improvements should be limited to the
minimum and respect to the original material
France Stylistic Restoration
Early Efforts in Conservation
• In 1802, Through the ‘Genie du christianisme’
written by Chateaubriand, France open the
public mind to the historic values of the
medieval structures.
• 1810, Inventory of monuments with the
concept of ‘continuous history’ embracing all
types of antiquities
• Better response to the patrimony in 1820s
• The Ministry of Interior disposed a budget for
historic restoration
• English influence through publications and
picturesque tours
• Laborde and Charles Nodier (1780-1844)
became conscious of the lack of historic
information in France and proper restoration
approach
• Victor Hugo (1802-85) published his poem on
vandalism (1823) and destruction (1825) of
historic monuments
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UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS, College of Architecture
• His concept of the Notre-Dame Cathedral as a
product of a society, an off-spring of national
efforts than of particular minds.
Organization and Administration
• Francis Guizot (1787-1874) established the
position of and Inspecteur General des
monuments historiques dela France.
• In 1830, he emphasized that the historic
monuments did not represent one historic
phase only, but they formed a continuous chain
of ‘historic evidence’, ‘an admirable
continuation of our national antiquities’
• Ludovic Vitet (1802-73), the first inspector
general in 1831, he recommended the
conservation of the Cathedral of Senlis, he
fought for the preservation even parts of
buildings
• His report was a masterpiece, ‘ a vivid
methodical report ‘
• Prosper Merimee, 1834 Inspector general
• During his period there were several
organizations created to work for the historic
buildings and works of art.
• The tasks of the Service des Monuments
Historiques was to train the architects for their
tasks as restorers of medieval buildings
• 1837 budget for restoration increased
• Conflict between the supporters of classical
tradition and medievalists reached its
culmination during the polemics of the 1840s
and 1850s
Merimee’s principle:
• All archeological works had to be preceded by a
careful archeological survey and recording
• The architect must prepare detailed and
carefully water coloured measured drawings in
scale one to hundred with present state and
the proposed restoration and other references
• All period style have their values, thus merit
protection, and state of intervention but
limited
• Faithful preservation of the original
architecture and its presentation to the
posterity ‘intact’, allowing for the
reconstruction of lost features on the basis of
analogy called ‘stylistic restoration’
Adolphe Napoleon Didron
• In 1839 he summarized the early principles of
restoration
• “Regarding ancient monuments, it is better to
consolidate than to repair, better to repair than
to restore, better to restore than to rebuild,
better to rebuild than to embellish, in no case
must anything be added and, above all nothing
should be removed.”
Discussion on Principles in France
• Discussion were debated on conservative
treatment or full scale restoration
• J.J. Bourasse (structural safety, ornamentation
and material authenticity, traditional
continuity, dead and living monuments)
• Etienne-Hippolyte Godde received all possible
blame, accused of confusing the style
• Jean Baptise Lassus together with Viollet-le-
Duc were preferred for the historic restoration
of the Notre-Dame
• In 1845, Lassus crystallized the intentions of
restoration based on scientific methodology in
his ‘archeologie nationale”
Viollet-le-Duc, Stylistic Restoration
• 1848 brought into power Louis Napoleon
Bonaparte (Napoleon III) established the
second empire and dreamed to rebuild Paris as
Augustus had done Rome.
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• 1852-1870 a huge organization and demolition
of entire quarters of Paris for modernization
and sanitation
• Merimee bought hard for the sake of the
monuments
• Together with Viollet-le-Duc wrote a
document for instructions for the conservation,
maintenance and restoration of religious
buildings
Viollet-le-Duc (1814-79)
• 1840 restored La Medeleine, Vezelay
• 1846 nominated chief of Bureau of Historic
Monuments
• 1853 Inspector General of Diocesan buildings
• 1857 Diocesan Architect
• Restoration architect in France, Belgium,
Netherland and Switzerland
• Furniture and interior designer and teacher of
decorative arts and crafts
Viollet-le-Duc Concept of Restoration
– 8 volume Dictionary (1866)
– Restoration and the thing itself are
both modern. To restore a building is
not to preserve it, to repair, or to
rebuilt it, it is to reinstate it in a
condition of completeness which may
never have existed at any given time”
– “every building and every part of
building should be restored in its own
style, not only, as regards appearance
but structure”
– Style was given as an independent
from the object and it would vary
according to culture (relative style-
depends on the function)
Viollet-le-Duc Concept of Restoration
– “the Style is the illustration of an
ideal based on a principle”
– Restoration architect should have
good knowledge of the working
methods in different periods and in
different schools with critical
assessments
– Changes which in respect of the
progress of art, are of great
importance
– The best means of preserving a
building is to find a use for it, and to
satisfy the requirements so
completely that there shall be no
occasion to make any changes
References:
• Jokiletho, Jukka. A History of Architectural
Conservation. Oxford: Butterworth Heinemann,
2002.
• http://xenohistorian.faithweb.com
• www.wikipedia.com
• Microsoft Encarta 2006
Prepared by:
ARCH. WILLA R. SOLOMON June 2009
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