08mc19-ML-2014_Santena, Castello Cavour, Funerary mask of Camillo Cavour, inv. II/279

Facilitated description: 

 

The funerary mask of Camillo Cavour is a plaster mask that represents the face of Cavour.
The funerary mask is made when a person dies by taking the imprint of his face.
The mask was made in 1861. 
The mask is kept at Castello Cavour in Santena. 
The restorers of the La Venaria Reale Conservation and Restoration Centre restored the mask in 2014-2016. 
The restorers cleaned the mask from dust with brushes, a small vacuum cleaner and damp sponges.
They put a protective substance on the iron hook so as not to ruin it on contact with the air.
In the end, they painted the ruined parts of the mask with watercolors. 
 

 

 

 

 

Abstract of the intervention:

 

Restoration

The intervention on the funerary mask of Cavour is part of the restoration of the furnishings of the bedroom and study of Cavour of the Castle of Santena on the occasion of the refurbishment of the entire residence. 
The restoration of the plaster mask began with cleaning from the deposit consistent with brushes and vacuum cleaners. It was followed by a dry cleaning with white Wishab powder brushed and vacuumed. The cleaning was finished with the use of moistened sponges.
The back of the mask was cleaned with tires. The metal hook has been protected with resin to prevent future oxidation. 
Finally, a chromatic rebalancing was performed with watercolor retouching.