ABSTRACT
Considering the national importance of architectural heritage, and the conflict with liberalism, Georg Dehio emphasised that protection was not easily conceivable in the prevailing economic system and legislative framework. The consequences of the creative process on the conservation and restoration of works of art are elaborated by Cesare Brandi in his theory of restoration after the Second World War. This theory crystallises the outcome of the concepts, and forms an essential reference for modern restoration and conservation. As a part of the attempts to reorganise the Austrian conservation services, Alois Riegl was commissioned to write a study to define the theoretical aspects of the work. He influenced the German-speaking countries and Northern Europe, and his thinking is still considered of fundamental importance especially to Austrian conservation policy. Riegl emphasises the importance of the artist's creative mind in relation to functional, practical or technical considerations. The development and potential use of modern sciences and technologies in conservation have been amply recognised.
