Teaching module I contributes, together with teaching module II, to providing knowledge on the history of the ancient working techniques of stone artifacts of the classical world (Greek and Roman), including the reference to historical sources.
The course will address the following topics:
1) Relevance of the technical working knowledge of stone artifacts in the context of historical-artistic studies and artifact restoration.
2) Stone materials: quarrying and transport.
3) Stone artifacts of Greek and Roman art: tools, techniques, and processes for the execution of stone artifacts (sculpture, architectural elements, floor and wall coverings, and mosaics). Analysis of some case studies following a methodological path that will use the reading of ancient sources, the direct observation of original artifacts, and their documentation, giving attention to the analysis and recognition of material aspects that constitute the fundamental elements for the study of the stoneworking techniques.
4) Painted and metallic finishing of stone artifacts.
5) Reuse and rework of stone artifacts in ancient, medieval, and modern times.
6) Cases of ancient integration and/or restoration of stone artifacts.
7) Recognition of modern restoration interventions based on the stoneworking technique analysis.
8) Analysis and description of the state of deterioration and conservation of stone artifacts: morphological aspects and reading of macroscopic signs.
9) Drafting of a first technical report of the stone artifact and its state of conservation upon arrival in the laboratory.
Exercises and visits to museums and monuments will be an integral part of the course.

P. ROCKWELL, Lavorare la pietra. Manuale per l’archeologo, lo storico dell’arte e il restauratore, Roma, La Nuova Italia Scientifica, 1992 (per la scultura).
U. PAPPALARDO - R. CIARDIELLO, Mosaici greci e romani. Tappeti di pietra in età ellenistico-romana, Verona, Arsenale Editore, 2010 (per il mosaico).