Treatments tests for protection and consolidation of the polychromy of the alfarje and yeserías of the Doncellas Patio: Royal Alcázar of Sevilla

Abstract

The work presented shows the methodology conducted for evaluating treatments, in what concerns color, applied on test specimens made from the materials identified in two decorative architectural elements of the south-east one of the most important courts of the Alcazar of Seville: courtyard of the Maidens. These elements we have as a subject of study are the paneled ceiling of the lower galleries and the wall plaster. The treatments selected for evaluation consist in the case of alfarje in applying a protective varnish with ultraviolet radiation stabilizer, and in the case of plasterworks, applying two consolidation treatments: Paraloid ®B72 and Ethyl Silicate (Bioestel®1200). The results will form the basis for choosing an optimal intervention proposal that includes the possible use of UV varnish on the paneled ceiling and the effect that could have treatments consolidation of polychrome plasterwork. In this way, we contribute to the prior knowledge of the behavior of materials before boarding the restoration of the architectural decoration of this space or other works of similar chronology with similar problems.