Baroque Stucco Marble Altars: Materials, Conservation and Meaning.

The Restoration Centre – Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia, in collaboration with the Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, the Academy of Fine Arts and Design, University of Ljubljana, and the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, invites proposals for the international conference Baroque Stucco Marble Altars: Materials, Conservation and Meaning.

The conference will take place on 15–16 September 2026 at the National Gallery of Slovenia in Ljubljana.

The conference will explore the complex phenomenon of Baroque stucco marble altars as both material and cultural artefacts. By bringing together experts from various disciplines, the event aims to encourage a comprehensive discussion on the artistic, technical, and historical significance of these works of art.

Special attention will be given to questions of materiality, workshop practices, artistic exchanges, and the conservation and restoration of stucco marble. The conference seeks to highlight not only the aesthetic and symbolic meaning of these altars but also the diverse methods and approaches used to study, preserve, and interpret them today.

We welcome contributions from conservators, restorers, art historians, and scientists investigating stucco marble from any perspective.

Key information:
- Working language: English

Proposals for 20-minute papers should include:
- title of the paper
- abstract (max. 250 words)
- short biography of the author (max. 100 words)

Please submit your proposal by 15 April 2026 to:
stuccomarble2026gmail.com

Further practical information regarding the conference programme will be provided after the selection of papers.

Organisers:
Restoration Centre – Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia
Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana
Academy of Fine Arts and Design, University of Ljubljana
Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana

Co-organisers:
Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS)
Slovenian Society for Conservation-Restoration (DRS)
National Gallery of Slovenia