Towards the fruition of wall paintings in hypogeum: retouching issues and preventive conservation strategies

This "Heritage Science" doctoral project focuses on preserving wall paintings in hypogea, which are at constant risk due to the fragile microclimatic and biological balance interfered by several external factors such as the presence of visitors. Environmental conditioning is not always feasible or sufficient in such contexts where preventive conservation often relies mostly in the selection of innovative materials and methodologies for the restoration treatments. Current products used for retouching mural paintings are unsuitable in hypogea due to their water sensitivity or susceptibility to microorganisms. This project aims to develop product formulations for retouching: Regalrez 1094 and Laropal A81 added with metal and metal oxide nanoparticles as biological inhibitors. The underground villa in Positano has been selected for in-situ testing of the experimental products and to develop guidelines for preventive conservation of hypogea.