Un’impresa straordinaria: i primi affreschi di Ercolano salvati dal tenente d’Artiglieria Stefano Mariconi

Abstract

The archaeological excavations, started by Charles of Bourbon in 1738, for the rediscovery of ancient Herculaneum posed problems of restoration and conservation never faced before: bronzes, marbles and mosaics were restored according to the techniques of the time. A significant problem arose for the frescoes that lost color a few days after extraction from the lava of the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. The Neapolitan court also sought help outside the Kingdom, but the solution was found by a soldier, Stefano Mariconi, with the invention of a paint that allowed the colors to be maintained. For some years he provided his support as needed, regularly paid until his death. He did not reveal the formula of his paint except to his wife Rosa Percolla who after 1748 continued his work for a few decades, and finally revealed the formula in exchange of a pension. The archival documentation tells, in great detail, the vicissitudes that allowed the frescoes to be saved and the story told to the Repubblica delle Lettere through the publications of the Royal Printing House.