Provider and number: GAČR No. 21-13208S
Duration: 2021–2023
Recipient: Institute of Art History, CAS
Co-Recipients: Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University in Brno; Faculty of Restoration, University of Pardubice
Principal investigator: Martin Mádl
External co-workers: Radka Heisslerová, Tadeáš Kadlec, Jiří Špaček, Pavla Savická
The project focuses on the process of creating ceiling paintings, especially on reconstructing the working methods used in the Czech lands in the 17th and 18th centuries. The aspects covered by the research include relations between artists and patrons, the concepts for iconographic programs, the relationship between paintings and architecture, perspective projection, the materials and techniques and other problems related to the execution of the monumental paintings. The methods used at that time will be examined and interpreted on the basis of historical literature and archive sources. The techniques used in selected paintings will also be examined by restorers and technologists. The results of the research will not only provide a solid basis for art-historical interpretation of ceiling paintings, but also contribute to their appropriate conservation and restoration. The main outcome will be a monograph, which will become the basis for future research into ceiling paintings in the Czech lands and Central Europe. The aim of the project is to achieve a greater understanding and explanation of the working methods and techniques used in ceiling painting in the Czech lands in the 17th and 18th centuries, on the basis of research into historical texts and restoration and technological surveys. The project is jointly developed by the Institute of Art History of the Czech Academy of Sciences, the Seminar of Art History of the Masaryk University in Brno and the Faculty of Restoration of the University Pardubice in Litomyšl.
