Scagliola is a traditional decorative technique, originating in Italy in the 17th century, that allows for the reproduction of the appearance of marble and many natural stones using a mixture of very fine plaster, animal glue, and pigments. Long used to embellish churches, palaces, and historic residences, it remains a rare skill, passed down by a few specialized artisans.

During this workshop, participants will discover the fundamental principles of scagliola.

Learning will primarily take place through observation and practice, by creating samples and completing a small intarsio (finishing) project. This workshop offers a complete immersion in a rare craft, while also providing trainees with the necessary skills to pursue their own experimentation in the field of handcrafted finishing and decoration. The practical component will be carried out on samples approximately 20 x 25 x 1 cm.

Upon completion of the training, the trainee will be able to:

• Recognize the fundamental principles of the scagliola technique
• Create chromatic harmonies to reproduce faux marble and imitated stone
• Reproduce the basics of various plastering and impasto techniques
• Understand the fundamental concepts of the inlay technique
• Reproduce the stuccoing, sanding, and polishing phases of scagliola

Scagliola is a decorative technique of Italian origin that combines artisanal skill, mastery of materials, and a keen sense of color. Emerging in the 17th century and widely developed in Italy, it allows for the creation of marble, stone, or other visually rich decorative effects using a mixture of very fine plaster, animal glue, and natural pigments.

Long used to adorn churches, palaces, and aristocratic residences, scagliola has established itself as a valuable alternative to real marble. Its greatest strength lies in its plasticity: it allows for an infinite chromatic palette and plays of veins, fractures, or clouds that the artisan composes by hand, using various traditional techniques or inlaid designs.

The meticulous and demanding manufacturing process relies on a succession of ritualistic steps: preparing the colors, applying the still-soft material, and cycles of stuccoing and sanding of increasing finesse until a perfectly smooth and glossy surface is achieved. The finish, applied with oil and beeswax, reveals the depth and luminosity characteristic of this technique.

Today, scagliola is experiencing a true revival. Artisans, designers, and restorers draw upon this tradition to create unique pieces: decorative panels, contemporary furniture, objets d'art, tabletops, and architectural elements. Each handcrafted creation bears the variations and irregularities that make it truly singular.

At the crossroads of art and craft, scagliola remains a rare technique, passed down by a few masters who perpetuate this centuries-old expertise. She embodies a sensitive relationship with materials and offers unparalleled creative freedom, making each piece a work deeply rooted in history while engaging in a dialogue with contemporary creation.

Schedule

Day 1

Morning

• Brief historical and theoretical introduction
• Preparation of hide glue (rabbit glue)
• Demonstration of color preparation
• Demonstration of the first impasto technique, known as a pallettoni

  (example: Verona Red marble)

Afternoon

• Color preparation by participants
• Creation of a sample similar to the one from the morning
• Preparation of a support for inlay

Day 2

Morning

• Color preparation
• Demonstration of the breccia technique (example: Medici Breccia)
• Stuccoing and sanding the support intended for inlay

Afternoon

• Creation of a similar sample by participants
• Stuccoing and sanding of the inlay base
• Stuccoing and sanding of the sample from Day 1

Day 3

Morning

• Color preparation
• Demonstration of the Vene technique (example: Siena Yellow marble)
• Color preparation by participants
• Stuccoing and sanding of previous works

Afternoon

• Creation of a similar sample
• First inlay tests
• Stuccoing and sanding of the works in Course

Day 4

Morning

• Stuccoing and sanding of works in progress
• Practical work on the inlay technique

Afternoon

• Continuation of stuccoing, sanding, and inlay practice
• If possible: demonstration of a new technique

Day 5

Morning

• Stuccoing and sanding of samples and inlays

Afternoon

• Final polishing
• If time permits, demonstration of a new technique
• Workshop cleanup

• Classroom, multipurpose room, workshops with professional equipment
• Materials provided
• Individual and collaborative work
• Workshop sessions
• Active participation and experimentation by participants are encouraged

• Group and individualized monitoring of work, regular check-ins
• Self-assessment of technical skills
• Group presentation
• Attendance sheet for each half-day
• Certificate of completion issued by Campus MaNa