Indagini scientifiche sugli apparati decorativi e sulle fasi edilizie di due monumenti fiorentini in vista del loro restauro: metodologie e risultati

Prior to the restoration of the Guadagni Strozzi Sacrati Palace and the Church of Battilani, diagnostic examinations were carried out on the wall paintings and internal decorations. The methodologies used to determine the painting techniques and state of conservation of the decorated surfaces are explained, together with an account of the anamnesis of both buildings. The use of scientific investigations in identifying previous restoration work and in ascertaining the existence of hidden paintings are also described.In both cases, the thermographic examinations revealed the nature of the building materials and the structure of the walls hidden beneath the plaster layer. Thermal discontinuities, indicative of active pathologies associated with decay processes on the surfaces of the walls, were documented. Due to the excessive thickness of the whitewashings in the former Church of Battilani, which hindered the infrared reflectography examination, the search for traces of underlying mural paintings was inconclusive. Cleaning tests were, therefore, performed on several areas of the church walls. In addition to presenting the results of the scientific investigations carried out on these two case studies, the importance of adapting a methodology which combines the use of diagnostic imaging and analytical diagnostics are considered.