IL NON-FINITO NELLA DECORAZIONE ARCHITETTONICA ROMANA A ROMA*

Abstract

The term “unfinished” generally refers to an intermediate stage in the sculpture process, which involves a series
of successive steps. Blocks abandoned in the quarry, or highly damaged during transport, or non-visible
surfaces in finished architectural elements, make it possible to observe these traces. When the process has
not been completed on surfaces that remained in view, we should wonder how the ancient observers perceived
them and what were the reasons behind the phenomenon: conscious and deliberate aesthetic choice?
Work-saving? Technical reasons? Difficulties on the building site an or urgency to complete the work?
Special cases occur when the “finished” is again considered “unfinished” (re-use or ancient restoration) or
when it seems to us “unfinished”, having lost its last finish in stucco or painting.