Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/10.17018/portal.2020.5
Ciborium of Korčula Cathedral: Restoration of an Early Renaissance Project
Helena Ugrina
orcid.org/0000-0002-8660-6841
; Hrvatski restauratorski zavod, Restauratorski odjel Split, Odsjek za kamenu plastiku, Hrvatska
Sažetak
The best examples of Korčula’s architecture were created during the 15th and 16th centuries, when this medieval town experienced economic prosperity due to stonecraft. This is also the time when the Cathedral of St. Mark in Korčula was built. At the end of the 18th century, Josip Kosirić, the last bishop of Korčula, changed the original appearance of the Cathedral of St. Mark. Work was also done on the ciborium above the main altar – a masterpiece made by the early Renaissance master Marko Andrijić. The fourth tier of the ciborium was removed, and four stone slabs were placed in its place. The original acroterium was placed on that roof, and a small wooden sculpture of the risen Christ was placed on top. Andrijić's trapezoidal moulded elements on the third tier of the ciborium roof disappeared, as did the dome on the very top, while the richly decorated fourth tier was turned upside down and became part of the baptismal font.
Croatian Conservation Institute carried out research that included taking samples of the material, test cleaning, analysis of polychromy and mortar, and qualitative and quantitative analysis of harmful soluble salts. During the laser cleaning of the upper part of the ciborium and the removal of worn-out mortar from the joints, it became clear that the structure was severely damaged and unstable. After inspection by structural engineers, stone elements of the ciborium roof were urgently disassembled and transported to the workshop of the Section for Stone Sculpture of the Croatian Conservation Institute in Split. A multidisciplinary team of experts, consisting of conservator-restorers, stonemasons, and architectural and civil engineers, analysed the condition of the ciborium and discussed all the options for constructive conservation, restoration, restitution and assembly of the ciborium’s stone elements. After detailed cleaning of the joints and mouldings, trial assembly, and analysis of the traces of stonemason's tools, it was noticed that the ciborium had been significantly re-carved during assembly in the 15th century. The existing archival material was analysed at the same time. All the findings indicated that it was necessary to restore the damaged stone elements and the original appearance of the ciborium. Therefore, eight new elements of the missing roof and domes were made. A very demanding installation was performed in a short time period, and the expertise and talent of the restorers who performed it was key to the successful completion of the work. All stone elements were interconnected in the same way as the original; metal mandrels and clamps were made in situ, reinforced using the technique of cast lead, making maximum use of existing holes, while traditional tools were used to work the new stone elements.
The conservation of the ciborium required the restoration of the original fourth tier, and its return to its original location required the reconstruction of the roof of the third tier. The reconstruction of the dome was necessary not only for the restoration of the acroterium but also for the restoration of the overall original appearance, including the proportional system and constructive integrity. According to the conclusions of the multidisciplinary team, this was the only correct way to valorise and present the most important Renaissance monument in Korčula.
Ključne riječi
ciborium; Korčula Cathedral; conservation and restoration; multidisciplinary; reconstruction; restitutio
Hrčak ID:
250631
URI
Datum izdavanja:
20.12.2020.
Posjeta: 1.423 *