Resources & Recommendations #18
Saturday, 1 March 2025. Newsletter 18.
to listen
For those who wish to learn more about the history of paper, understand what a watermark is and how paper has been made since the Middle Ages, Les Enluminures’ podcast episode from 2022 offers an ideal point of entry. Paper makers in Fabriano developed the use of wire-made signs as identifying marks in the Middle Ages. These impressions, imbedded in the paper, are today known as “watermarks” and served as the papermakers’ logo and calling card. Find out how these marks can help in identifying the provenance and production of medieval manuscripts and drawings.
to watch
Behind The Canvas - S1E3 - Graphic Conservation Company
America’s favourite paintings restorer, Julian Baumgartner, visits the Graphic Conservation Company for a tour of the studio and an introduction to some paper restoration techniques. Julian discovers how torn, discoloured and seemingly hopeless paper can be rescued and restored. Be advised, do not try these techniques at home!
to read
Memories of Rome. Drawings as Souvenirs around 1800
The Bibliotheca Hertziana’s exhibition at the Palazzo Zuccari, ‘Memories of Rome. Drawings as Souvenirs around 1800’, may have just closed, but an excellent digital record of the show is well worth a read. The online exhibition pairs the Hertziana’s album of copies of views of Rome and the Roman Campagna with the originals by Franz Caucig (1755–1828). Drawings of these places were in great demand with Grand Tourists, and, knowingly or not, tourists hoovered up original and copied works alike.
Cover Image: Circle of Franz Caucig: Michael Köck?, San Pietro in Vaticano, 1780–1787, graphite, pen and wash, 18,8 × 26,5 cm. Rome, Bibliotheca Hertziana
