Scagliola Chest of Drawers Top with the Gondi Family Coat of Arms, 18th century, Villa La Quiete, Florence

Description of the intervention

The restoration provided an opportunity to pursue a series of studies into methods for the selective removal of deposits and stains from a particularly hygroscopic material such as gypsum. To this end, various cleaning tests were devised to address the widespread staining on the surface — in particular the most significant and extensive mark, yellow-brown in colour, above the central coat of arms, attributable to the absorption of a liquid spilled onto the gypsum top. Diagnostic investigations provided the necessary support to guide the research. The delicate cleaning phase was then carried out using Idrogel poultices, a method that proved capable of delivering a controlled level of moisture while simultaneously capturing the metallic ions responsible for the chromatic alteration and the resulting visual disturbance. Filling of small losses along the edges was carried out subsequently, followed by inpainting using the chromatic selection method. Experimental testing is currently under way to identify the most suitable surface consolidant.