Restoration of a Sculpture - Villa Hercolani

This luxurious residence was built for the princely branch of the Hercolani family.

The Hercolani Palace is located on Strada Maggiore, in the center of Bologna, and within its walls, it preserves a unique beauty and historical artworks, including two sculptures depicting "Ercoli" on pedestals and frescoes. Nowadays, the palace houses the Faculty of Political Sciences.

PROJECT

Analyses were conducted to determine the level of degradation of the Hercules sculpture and the restoration work required. Several cracks in the mortar were identified, both on the surface and in-depth, posing a threat to certain parts of the structure.

Parts that were beyond repair, such as the upper crown, were entirely reconstructed using PROMPT natural cement.

Various types of PROMPT natural cement mortars were employed: a coarse mortar for the initial form of the artwork and a finer one to create the outer definition of the sculptural elements. Several tests were also conducted to establish the appropriate level of particle size and pigmentation for the final layer. The achieved color is an optimal compromise considering the different shades of the artwork's surface.