Academic thesis

Katalin Baruth: back

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Abstract: The collection of chandeliers and luminaires belonging to the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg is one of the biggest of its kind in all of Europe. It holds about 1 900 examples, including chandeliers, wall sconces, candelabras and further objects from the 17th to 19th century, which are presented to the public in several buildings belonging Sanssouci Park. This vast collection also includes about 500 scones, which were typically fire-glided or fire-silvered. In this context, 33 of the wall sconces painted in a polychrome manner represent a very special and rare feature. These objects are situated at the Neues Palais (1763-1769) and the Schloss Sanssouci (17451747). Characteristically these works of art were integrated into the decoration of the rooms they were being displayed in. A set connection between both, realised through colouring, shape and composition, created a throughout ensemble. By focusing on the technical analysis and the production in a historic setting, a catalogue of inventory was created. Its purpose is to present all the known facts about these objects in a consistent form to employees of the Prussian Palaces and
Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg, to students as well as other interested persons. The information gathered was summarised in and extended by a glossary about manufacturing techniques coming from the period of the 17th to 19th century. A further part of the work consisted in developing a concept of conservation, focusing on the examination and maintenance of the polychrome painted surfaces. Its purpose was to represent a concept, which could be applied to the other objects in this group. The pair of wall sconces selected for this approach was styled in a chinoiserie manner, which was a widely popular style at the time of their production. It was possible to comprehend the composition and structure of the different layers belonging to the historical colouring. During this process, it was discovered that the objects had been repainted before. Initial microchemical examinations provided indications concerning the used binding agents as well as pigments. With the help of these results, specific examinations were carried out by a specialised laboratory. Joined by the outcome of a literature research, these facts were used as the base for the conservation concept. Both objects were documented, an appropriate concept was created as well as carried out. After completing the conservational works the former impression of the objects and its interaction with the chinoiserie styled room could be retrieved.

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Details:
  • academic institution: FH Erfurt
  • kind of theses:  Masterarbeit
  • date:  2017
  • Language:  German

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