Professional paper

SKOČIBUČIĆ-LUKARIS PALACE – CONSERVATION-RESTAURATION WORK ON THE EAST PORTION OF THE FAÇADE PLASTER

Branko Matulić ; Umjetnička akademija u Splitu, Odsjek za konzervaciju i restauraciju
Tonči Borovac ; Hrvatski restauratorski zavod, Odjel u Splitu
Antonija Buljan ; Hrvatski restauratorski zavod, Odjel u Splitu

Abstract

The Skočibučić-Lukaris Palace is situated in the very heart of Split, on the south-east corner of the Peristil. Like many other palaces in Split, the palace is neither a work of a single author nor was it built in a particular period of time: it was gradually created through
centuries assimilating elements from different artistic periods.
Therefore the Palace is not a mere reflection of a particular style: its construction relfects both ancient and more contemporary influences. Structural complexity is not only accentuated through interpolation of the façade into the colonnade and the arches of the Peristil, but through its partially plastered east portion of the façade. Although these multiple layers of plaster bear no artistic significance, it is yet important to study their construction, quality and methods of application, in order to define their significance in the broader context
of building heritage. The stone and plaster surfaces of the Skočibučić – Lukaris Palace façade, prior to conservation-restauration work, reflected signs of deterioration that occured in the course of time, such as thick films, impurities, discolorations and layers of biological growths. The surface of the outer wall of the palace was covered with layers of plaster simulating the original stone construction of the colonnade of the Diocletian’s peristyle. The original portions of the façade plaster emulate joint pattern of the ancient stone blocks.
The analysis of both plaster layers from the façade surface and the ancient stone block joints reveals high quality granulated lime plaster. The plaster is pigmented with darker shade of ocher, which, due to damaging chemical processes over the course of time, gradually faded into the shades of grey. Specific façade finish, reflected in the original pigmentation of the façade plaster, gives the
palace its unique character and adds to its visual perception.
Altered pigmentation and discoloration of the finish base was successfully removed by various methods of chemical cleaning, which both preserved and restored the original light ocher shade of the façade and its portions that were under atmospheric influences. Using the specific method of desalinization, that is, the clay compresses and cellulose pulp, the traces of salt were successfully removed from the inner and outer layers of plaster. All portions of the
façade detached from its base, as well as the critical zones around fissures, were stabilized using the method of injection.
Reconstruction plaster, possessing the quality of granular calibration and filler similar to the original one, successfully served its primary purpose. Having successfully replaced the original, it also created the authentic copy good enough to meet visual aesthetic and artistic
criteria.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

65571

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/65571

Publication date:

27.12.2010.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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