Special techniques for the detachment and transfer of mural paintings onto new supports were developed in Italy as early as the 18th century. There is a lack of documentation regarding the early operations in this field. After 1945, these events became more frequent. Special museums (Pisa) and exhibitions received wide publicity as did the discovery of the underdrawings (sinopie). However, many transferred fresco and secco murals now show severe problems, perhaps from technical faults in the working process, imperfect fresco technique, from the effect of climatic and ambient conditions, or from choice of materials and place of exhibition (under extreme conditions in Alpine regions, etc.). A research program is requested for Italy and the countries that followed its tradition in transferring murals. Principles of ethics and techniques should be reconsidered, and emphasis is urged to improve <i>in situ</i> conservation processes.