INFRA REDable. Thermography for the diagnosis and conservation of frescoed walls: the case of the Templar Church of San Bevignate

Abstract

The importance of research that addresses the numerous themes of architectural and cultural heritage conservation is a fact that has now been acquired on the national and international scene. The objective of the ongoing research presented is the study and development of infrared thermography as an innovative technique for non-contact, and absolutely non-invasive, investigations for the diagnosis of ancient masonry walls with specific attention to frescoes. In parallel, the devised technique is applied to a case study of very high historical value: the cycles of mural paintings of the Templar Church of San Bevignate in Perugia. Such architectural complex also houses a relevant archeological site which consists of a roman fullonica, part of the museum itinerary. Starting from the thermographic data, both the state of conservation of the precious painting and the seismic safety of the masonry Church – tied to the quality of the brickwork texture – are evaluated. The comparison among thermographic results and the outcomes due to a restoration activity of the painted parts, that took place on 2019 and that is still in progress, are highlighted.