The restoration and repair of Bolognese timber ceilings: material culture and decoration

Presentation of the research method about wooden historical ceilings during the period included between the XVth and the XVIIIth centuries. The method is based by the intersection of indirect sources with the analysis of 50 real cases of ceilings, chosen from the most significant inside some prestigious historical buildings in the city of Bologna. Moreover, this method has purposes to understand the several typologies, the historical evolution, the constructive vocabulary, the relationship between the techniques used and the decorative system for wooden historical ceilings. Analysis of indirect sources, with a particular focus on the Bolognese ancient price lists (Spinelli and Angelotti) and on their important contribute in order to define a typical constructive vocabulary. Panoramic classification of ceilings types present in Bologna deriving from the analysis of 50 real cases, accurately surveyed and studied into their main constituent parts, and from the comparison with historical indirect sources. Introduction of wooden ceiling finishings and decorations, studied in their temporal evolution and in their artistic and technological functions. A case of study, the reinforcement and restoration of ‘Serlio’s Style’ ceiling in Palazzo Fava.