Art and Industry of Stucco Decoration in Europe from the Late 16th to the Early 18th Century

Stucco decorations have traditionally been studied considering their formal and artistic qualities. Although much research and numerous publications have explored the works of stucco artists and their cultural context, little attention has been paid to their professional role in relation to the other actors involved in the decorative process (architects, painters, sculptors, patrons), the technical skills of these artists, and how their know-how contributed to the great professional success they enjoyed. From the 16th to the 18th century, many of the stucco decorations in churches and palaces throughout Europe were made by masters from the border area between what is now Canton Ticino and Lombardy. This collection of essays aims to examine how these artists worked from Spain to Poland, from Denmark to Italy, via the Netherlands, France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Austria, adapting to the realities of the different contexts. The authors examine these issues with an interdisciplinary approach, considering art history and social history, the history of artistic techniques, and the science of materials. 

Text in English and Italian.

Giacinta Jean is an architect, professor in history and restoration techniques. She has carried out a professional activity dealing with architectural restoration and has worked in universities in teaching and research (University of Geneva, Polytechnic of Milan). Since 2005 she has been responsible for the degree course in Conservation and Restoration at SUPSI and the Swiss Conservation-Restoration Campus. She is the author of scientific and popular publications and a member of institutions active in the protection of cultural heritage. Alberto Felici is a conservation expert of wall paintings, graduated from the Opificio delle Pietre Dure in Florence, and graduated in History of Art from the University of Florence. Formerly a teacher at the Opificio Higher Education School, he is now active at the Superintendency of Archeology and Fine Arts of Florence. Since 2007 he has been teaching at the Master course in Conservation and Restoration at SUPSI in Lugano. Letizia Tedeschi is the director of the Archivio del Moderno of the Università della Svizzera Italana since 1996, which she founded, defining its objectives, philosophy and scientific activity. Visiting professor at the École nationale des chartes in Paris, the 'Sapienza' Università di Roma and the Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, she is a member of the scientific committee of the Institut national d'histoire de l'art in Paris (INHA).