The book our client brought to us had a detached cover, and some of the medallions had separated from the volume.
The Legacy of Liberotti Impronte Books
At South Florida Art Conservation, we recently had the privilege of working on a rare and beautiful book from Giovanni Liberotti’s Impronte series. These books are unique treasures from the 19th century, featuring plaster reproductions of famous artworks. Each reproduction is crafted as a small bas-relief, resembling medals or cameos, and offers a fascinating glimpse into the art and history of ancient times.
Dated between 1820 and 1830, Liberotti’s Impronte books were popular visual keepsakes for travelers of the time. Many people brought them home after embarking on the Grand Tour—a cultural journey through major European cities like Rome, Venice, Florence, and Paris. This trip was an opportunity to expand one’s cultural knowledge and appreciation of art.
In an era long before smartphones and cameras, these books served as tangible memories of the incredible artworks travelers encountered abroad. They remain valuable historical artifacts that connect us to the travelers and artistic traditions of the 19th century.
The inside of the cover features a handwritten description of the artworks depicted in the various reproductions.
According to the inscription on the cover, this medallion is a reproduction of the Cumaean Sibyl by Domenichino at Galleria Borghese, as depicted in the painting shown on the right.
The Condition of the Impronte Volume
Over the years, this particular volume of Liberotti’s Impronte had been well-loved and heavily used, leading to wear and damage. When it arrived at our studio, it showed signs of surface dirt, a detached cover, several medallions separated from their mounts, and small areas of material loss. Our mission was to perform thoughtful Impronte conservation, ensuring the book’s structural stability and long-term preservation while honoring its historical authenticity and tactile charm.
The first step in conserving this volume was surface cleaning. Dirt and dust had accumulated over time, dulling the intricate details of the plaster impressions and obscuring the visual clarity of the medallions. Through careful, dry and aqueous cleaning methods, we were able to brighten the book and reestablish the crispness of its relief work.
Next, we addressed the detached cover and dislodged medallions. The cover plays a vital role in protecting the contents and maintaining the book’s overall form. Using conservation-grade adhesives and reversible techniques, we ensured the repair was secure yet flexible enough to allow for future adjustments. The medallions were re-affixed to their original locations with precision, preserving their alignment and visual rhythm.
Finally, we treated minor areas of wear and loss by applying light inpainting. This technique involved adding small amounts of color to damaged spots to restore visual harmony without obscuring the book’s aged character. The inpainting was subtle, carefully matched to the original palette and surface finish, and applied with restraint to maintain the integrity of the object. The result is a volume that retains its historical patina while gaining renewed clarity and cohesion—ready to be appreciated once again, both as a scholarly artifact and a work of art.
The book after the treatment, which included reattaching the cover and securing the loose medallions.
Why Liberotti Impronte Books Conservation Matters
Liberotti Impronte Books are more than just books—they are historical treasures. They tell stories of art, culture, and craftsmanship from a bygone era. Through conservation, we protect these stories, ensuring that future generations can study and enjoy them.
At South Florida Art Conservation, we are passionate about preserving cultural artifacts and objects like this. Working on this Impronte volume was an honor, and it reminds us of the importance of conservation in keeping history alive.
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