Approccio al restauro conservativo attraverso lo studio dell’opera: caso studio Palazzo Biscari a Catania

The study for the conservation of a monumental work belonging to the Cultural Heritage requires an intrinsic knowledge of the subject and its state of fact, under many perspectives. Such knowledge is attainable only through its comprehensive study. The sources to be used at this stage of the research must concern both the historical aspect and the stratigraphic consistency of the building, in order to identify the historical thickness assumed at the time of the maintenance work. In particular, the study of the materiality of the work -both in physical and construction techniques terms – is a fundamental guide for the choices regarding the “conservative restoration” and what a restoration that aims to preserve the integrity, the identity, and the essence of the work should entail in order to en-sure its preservation for the future generations. In addition to the material and concrete aspects, the “romantic” aspect should not be forgotten or over-looked – that is, the emotion that the monument arouses to those approaching it for the first time. Even this element, although immaterial, must be recognized, detected, and preserved during the performance of maintenance or restoration. When a monument is considered a work of art, all its material and immaterial features must remain and only time should be allowed to modify them by adding memory and emotionality. This study aims is to highlight the need to grow and develop, in every single specialist engaged in safe-guarding the Work of Art, the required sensitivity to define an approach to the research that goes beyond – and is not limited to – being guided by the current regulations and/or taxes, which, as past case-studies have shown, too often have not been sufficient to guide towards the application of a fair and coherent approach and have inevitably underestimated the elements of the cognitive phase. The preliminary indications set out below represent an initial methodological approach based mainly on a base considered useful not only to pursue a qualified, aware and durable restoration project, but also to achieve a sustainable intervention, respectful of the material nature of the monument and consequently of its environment: knowing the monument, its features, and its material composition allows to intervene with techniques and materials consistent with those already present and, therefore, more natural.