Restoration of the Statues on the Facade of the Cathedral of Saint Eusebius in Vercelli
Year: 2011
Location: Vercelli
The Viggiù stone statues adorning the facade of the Cathedral of Saint Eusebius in Vercelli, crafted in 1861, have been restored to their original splendor thanks to a meticulous restoration effort. Representing the Apostles, Saint Paul, and Christ the Redeemer, these masterpieces combine faith and artistic skill but had suffered significant deterioration over time due to weathering and pollution.
Through careful intervention using advanced techniques and compatible materials, the restoration successfully addressed the primary conservation challenges, ensuring the statues’ enduring beauty and stability.
Before restoration, the statues exhibited:
• Moss and lichen covering large areas of the sculptural surfaces.
• Black crusts and deposits obscuring artistic details.
• Deep cracks and oxidations caused by old iron anchors, compromising structural stability.
Specialists removed biological deposits and black crusts using specific biocides and chemical poultices, respecting the stone’s characteristics.
Internal fractures were treated with hydraulic mortars and ethyl silicates, enhancing internal cohesion without altering the stone. Old iron anchors were replaced with stainless steel bars, ensuring greater structural stability and preventing further volumetric expansions.
Surface gaps were filled with lime putty enriched with natural aggregates to replicate the original stone’s texture and color. A siloxane-based water-repellent treatment was applied, protecting the statues from future infiltration and pollutants.
Thanks to this intervention, the statues have not only regained their original splendor but have also been secured to withstand the challenges of time. A scheduled maintenance plan will ensure their long-term preservation, including:
• Annual cleaning to remove dust and biological growths.
• Renewal of protective treatments every two years to maintain water repellency.
• Periodic monitoring to identify any emerging issues
The facade of the Cathedral of Saint Eusebius once again stands as a living symbol of art and devotion for the community. The statues, enhanced by their restoration, highlight the importance of safeguarding historical and cultural heritage through respectful and sustainable interventions.
This restoration serves as a model of excellence, showcasing how technical expertise, traditional materials, and technological innovations can converge to preserve invaluable works of art, making them accessible and appreciated by future generations.
