An outstanding achievement by Accademia di Como at the 23rd IGIIC National Congress

Accademia di Como is pleased to announce the participation of Sophie Lingenthal, a former student of the Restoration course, in the 23rd National Congress of IGIIC – Italian Group of the International Institute for Conservation.

During the event, Lingenthal presented her thesis project entitled “Conservation and restoration of the sculpture of St. Abbondio, a marble work by T. Rodari, located in the Basilica of St. Abbondio in Como”, dedicated to the study and restoration of the sculpture depicting St. Abbondio, created by Tommaso Rodari in 1490.

The research deepened the historical-artistic and conservation knowledge of the work, analysing its main historical phases – from its creation for Como Cathedral to its current location in the Basilica of St. Abbondio – and investigating the technical characteristics and degradation phenomena of the polychrome marble.

The restoration work, carried out in situ and in collaboration with the Academy's laboratories, involved the use of laponite hydrogel for the selective cleaning of the stone surfaces, accompanied by complementary techniques. This approach made it possible to achieve uniform results that respected the original material, contributing to the improvement of the sculpture's conservation conditions.

Through this project, the Academy confirms its commitment to training restoration professionals capable of combining scientific expertise, artistic sensitivity and attention to the protection of cultural heritage.