Le vicende conservative della lunetta musiva della Madonna della Libera ad Aquino (FR)

The lunette on the main portal of the Church of the Madonna della Libera in Aquino is the only example of a wall mosaic preserved in the Alta Terra di Lavoro. It has been known and studied since the work of Bertaux at the beginning of the last century, in particular for its peculiar iconography: two figures lying in sarcophagi are depicted on either side of the Madonna and Child. Their identity has therefore been debated in relation to the chronology and patronage of the building. The lunette has a clear commemorative meaning, which suggests a chronological gap of almost a century between the construction of the church and the making of the mosaic, probably between late 12th and early 13th centuries. However, the interpretation of the mosaic has been affected by other elements, both internal and external to the original work, related to the changes that have occurred in the texture of the mosaic ever since. In fact, the mosaic has numerous lacunae and restorations. The aim of this research is to assess, for the first time, the conservation history of the artefact, based on the study of archival sources and graphic and photographic documentation. It also provides an important insight into the theory and practice of mosaic restoration in Italy throughout the 20th century.