Conservação e restauro das "Vitórias" do Museu Militar de Lisboa: contributos para uma reconstituição volumétrica diferenciada

Abstract

This master's project reconciles theory with practical experience. The realization of this work was made possible thanks to a partnership established with the Military Museum of Lisbon, which made available two works from its plaster collection. The study focuses on Mortero Alhambra® plaster, an innovative and relatively recent material, still little studied. The practice was divided into two main phases: 1. Conducting comparative tests of the plaster under study; 2. Conservation and restoration intervention. The comparative tests aimed to explore the unique properties of the Alhambra Mortar, which has distinctive characteristics, allowing a clear distinction between what is original and restorations, preventing the creation of false histories. This approach refers to the traditional technique of Kintsugi, valuing visible and authentic repair. The implementation of plaster was applied in two sculptures exhibited at Casa dos Gessos: Génio da Vitória, by Simões de Almeida (Tio), located in Praça dos Restauradores, Lisbon (Foundry: 1882; Dimensions: Height: 4.16m; Width: 2.7m; Depth: 3.32m; Weight: 4,083 kg). Figura da Victoria, by Thomaz Costa, located in Praça Duque de Saldanha, Lisbon (Foundry: 1909; Dimensions: Height: 3.48m; Width: 2.06m; Depth: 1.55m; Weight: 1920 kg). This project is not limited to restoring two sculptures, but rather contributing to the field of conservation and restoration through the application of new methods, materials, and techniques, offering information and tools for future projects