Historical, technical- diagnostic and environmental study of the wooden-paper ceiling of the "Studiolo" at Casa Romei (Ferrara)

The aim of this is research is the evaluation of the state of conservation of the coffered ceiling covered by the woodcut paper in the so-called “Studiolo” of Casa Romei, Renaissance residence in Ferrara. An historical investigation was conducted about the origin and the history of the room. Besides, materials and products of the artefact were characterised through diagnostic techniques and chemico-biological analyses. Finally, an annual campaign was conducted to monitor the thermo-hygrometric conditions in order to understand the possible interactions between the artefact and its environment. The ceiling, probably realised between about 1442 and 1453, represents an unique example in Italy of a decoration applied through xylography on paper of particular artistic value. The coffered ceiling is decorated with woodcut paper showing four harpy around a central rosette, directly glued on the wooden support. Diagnostic techniques were applied in situ in order to examine this precious work of art: visible and infrared photography, videomicroscopy with image analyser, infrared reflectography, colorimetry, portable X-Ray Fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). On some collected samples, accurately chosen after having examined the results of the above mentioned non-destructive investigations, the chemico-biological analyses were performed by means of stereomicroscopy, microbiological investigations, ultraviolet microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy with microanalysis (SEM-EDS) and Fourier Transform Infra Red spectrometry (FTIR). Potable thermo-hygrometers were employed for the annual campaign of measurements of temperature and relative humidity, whose values were compared with the prescriptions of the Italian norms UNI.