Michaela Šmidová↓

About the work

Historical and Present Possibilities of Documenting Sculptural Works • Figural Sculpture – The Goddess Flora • Restoration of a Stone • Figural Sculpture – St. John of Nepomuk • Restoration of a Stucco • Figural Sculpture – Red Crab • Technology and Restoration of Figural Sgraffito Plasters

#restoration #sculpture #ceramics #stone #sgraffito

What is your graduation work about?

My diploma focuses on restoring four works of art and restoration theory. The first work is the sandstone sculpture of St. John of Nepomuk, attributed to the workshop of František Ringelhahn. The second is the Red Crab house sign from Dlouhá Street near the Old Town Square in Prague. The third is the ceramic sculpture of the goddess Flora from the window painting factory on Okrouhlá Street, dating to the turn of the 20th century. The last restored work is the Goliath sgraffito. In the theoretical part of the thesis, I explore the historical and present possibilities of restoration documentation. I try to apply available technologies and documentation methods to today’s restoration practice. In addition to research methods, I also pursue 3D technologies.

What do you do besides your graduation work?

The scope of the restored works is so extensive that I cannot continuously focus on anything else at the time. I try to fulfill my duties as a museum restorer and occasionally do sports. But in my leisure time, I try to relax as much as possible before the next day in the studio.

In what conditions would you like to work on your graduation work?

Ideally, I would prefer to work in my private studio a little further away from the city bustle. But otherwise, I am happy in our RESTS studio.

What would you imagine to be an alternative culmination of your studies at AVU, in place of the defense of your graduation work?

Given my specialization, I cannot imagine any other form of defending my graduation work.