Restoration of the Chapel of the Madonna del Rosario
Year: 2019-2020
Location: Cuveglio (VA)
The Chapel of the Madonna del Rosario, located to the left of the main altar in the Church of San Lorenzo Martire, has undergone a meticulous conservative restoration. The intervention aimed to restore stability and beauty to an artistic heritage affected by time and weathering.
This extraordinary project, carried out by CORES4N srl, tackled the complex conservation challenges posed by structural issues and surface alterations to preserve the decorative richness of the chapel.
Before the restoration, the chapel displayed evident signs of deterioration:
• Previous water infiltration: Damage caused by rainwater, which had compromised the integrity of the decorative surfaces.
• Rising damp: Widespread stains and detachment of the pictorial layers.
• Salt efflorescence: Accumulations of soluble salts that had led to crystallization and surface degradation.
• Detachment and material loss: Severe aesthetic and structural alterations.
A timely intervention was necessary to prevent the irreversible loss of this precious heritage.
The restoration followed a rigorous approach, combining traditional techniques with innovative technologies to ensure long-lasting results.
TREATMENT OF SALT EFFLORESCENTS
• Absorbent poultices made of cellulose pulp and deionized water to remove salts.
• Repeated treatment cycles to ensure complete extraction without damaging the surfaces.
STRUCTURAL AND PICTORIAL CONSOLIDATION
• Injections of compatible hydraulic mortars to stabilize detached plaster layers.
• Application of acrylic resin emulsions to reinforce the pictorial layer.
INTEGRATION OF MISSING AREAS
• Filling gaps with natural hydraulic lime-based mortars.
• Watercolor glazes to harmonize the integrations with the original surfaces while respecting the principle of recognizability.
FINAL PROTECTION
• Application of breathable protective coatings to safeguard the decorated surfaces from future environmental damage.
The intervention has achieved:
• Ensuring conservation stability: The decorated surfaces have been consolidated and protected from further deterioration.
• Restoring aesthetic unity: The missing areas have been harmonized and pictorially integrated.
• Preventing future degradation: The use of compatible materials and advanced techniques will ensure the durability of the artwork.
To guarantee the longevity of the interventions, the following recommendations are made:
• Regular monitoring: Periodic inspections of the conservation state.
• Routine maintenance: Annual cleaning and surface checks.
• Environmental control: Monitoring humidity levels to prevent the emergence of new issues.
The restoration of the Chapel of the Madonna del Rosario is a remarkable example of how a conservation intervention can safeguard and enhance historical heritage, returning a masterpiece to the public in all its splendor.
