PRIKAZ KONZERVATORSKO – RESTAURATORSKIH RADOVA NA NOVOOTKRIVENOM RIMSKOM RELJEFU S MOTIVOM TRI NIMFE IZ VARAŽDINSKIH TOPLICA
OVERVIEW OF CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION WORKS ON THE NEWLY – DISCOVERED ROMAN RELIEF WITH A THREE- NYMPH MOTIF FROM VARAŽDINSKE TOPLICE

Summary/Abstract: This paper offers a detailed overview of conservation and restoration works on the antic relief with a three-nymph motif uncovered during excavations in 2006 in the area of the forum, within the confines of the Roman collection pool on the Aquae Iasae site in Varaždinske Toplice. Regarding the most upto- date archaeological research during the past few years, we should especially like to emphasize the individuality and the uniqueness of this site due to the geo-archaeological layer of the therapeutic mud called fango and the presence of thermal waters reaching 58°C. It is a fact that the research performed within the confines of the Roman collection pool is unique in Croatia but also the world, as are the means and the methods used in order to obtain archaeological finds on the site in question. It is well know that archaeological works of this nature have not been performed in Croatia; therefore, said works represent a pioneering undertaking of sorts. Faced with complex conditions, on 16 November 2006, a 90 x 59 cm marble slab was discovered depicting nymphs – protectors of the thermal spring. When unearthed, the slab was initially covered with the therapeutic mud fango or peloid; therefore, therapeutic water was used to clean the slab. All details characteristically found in the fantasy-and- mythology water world were present on the slab. In addition to the three nymphs, the relief shows (symbols of ) dolphins, urns, reeds, bay-leaf wreaths, water, and the entire slab is framed with spiral edges and a laurel garland. The find dates back to the 2nd or 3rd century. After the initial cleaning, the slab was treated for salt reduction in order to prepare conditions for conservation and restoration works. Detailed examination and reattachment of fragments that have broken away, as well as all necessary conservation and restoration works on this find were performed by Jenny Pfeifruck. Best and most effective conservation and restoration procedures were used in order to prepare this valuable find for its future place in a museum. Thanks to geological and archaeological layers at this unique site, we can report extraordinary good condition, i.e. conservation of the unearthed relief slab, as proven by the performed geologic analyses of the uncovered Roman pool layers.

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