This seminar focuses on the interdisciplinary study (together with the Institute of Conservation-Restoration, University of Pardubice [FR_UPCE]) of Baroque interiors, using St. George’s Chapel at Český Krumlov Castle (Czech Republic) as a central case study. Particular attention is given to the technique of scagliola, a key element of Baroque interior decoration in Austria and the Czech Republic. Building on the AKTION-project “Materiality of Cultural Heritage”, students explore material, art-historical, and conservation-related questions, including production techniques, material sources, transnational artistic networks, and characteristic processes of decay and deterioration. The seminar aims to convey research-based methods and to actively involve students in ongoing scientific collaborations.

The course can only be taken in combination with the identically titled courses offered by Marija Milchin / Katharina Fuchs / Christoph Schleßmann. The assessment method is identical for all courses involved. The seminar is conducted in English.

Assessment consists of a written report in English to be submitted by May. The report includes a documentation of the current state and condition of the monument as well as a glossary of observed types of damage.The results will be presented in a joint meeting at the Institute of Conservation and Restoration at the University of Applied Arts Vienna (Salzgries), together with students from FR_UPCE. The exact date of the presentation will be agreed upon during the block course in Český Krumlov.