The book our client brought to us had a detached cover, and some of the medallions had separated from the volume.
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.
The Legacy of Liberotti’s Impronte Books
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.
To the left, Busto of Elena by Antonio Canova
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, some medallions separated, and small areas of loss. Our mission was to perform thoughtful Liberotti Impronte conservation, ensuring the book’s stability and longevity while preserving its historical authenticity.
The first step in conserving this Impronte volume was cleaning its surface. Dirt and dust had accumulated over time, dulling the intricate details of the plaster impressions. Through careful cleaning, we were able to brighten the book and make its details stand out once more.
Next, we addressed the detached cover and medallions. The cover plays a vital role in protecting the book’s contents and maintaining its structure. Using conservation-grade adhesives and reversible techniques, we ensured the repair was strong while allowing for future adjustments if needed. The medallions were also afixes to their original location
Finally, we worked on minor areas of wear by applying light inpainting. This technique involved adding small amounts of color to damaged spots to restore visual harmony. The inpainting was subtle and carefully matched to the original materials, preserving the book’s aged character while improving its presentation.
The book after the treatment, which included reattaching the cover and securing the loose medallions.
Why Liberotti Impronte Books Conservation Matters
Books like Liberotti’s Impronte 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 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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