Colorimetric evaluation in treatment of protection and consolidation. Applications to Courtyard of the Maidens. Royal Alcazar of Seville

Abstract

The Courtyard of the Maidens is one of the most representative areas of the Royal Alcazar of Seville. The work presented is based on the colorimetric evaluation of treatments applied on test specimens made from the materials identified in two decorative architectural elements of the south-east side of the courtyard: the paneled ceiling in the lower galleries and the plasterwork. These treatments consist in applying a protective varnish with ultraviolet stabilizer, in the case of the paneled ceiling, and two treatments of consolidation, in the case of the plasterwork. The results have shown that all treatment layers applied on polychrome produce color variations. This chromatic change depends on the layers that comprise the polychrome and the binder used. This assay will form the basis for the choice of an optimal intervention proposal for the elements studied that would include the possible use of UV varnish on the paneled ceiling and the best treatment of consolidation for the plasterwork.