17th-Century Frescoes Discovered at Rome's Villa Farnesina

During routine elevator maintenance at Villa Farnesina in Rome, restorers uncovered hidden 17th-century frescoes, including a Farnese family triumph with putti and Roman landscapes. The discovery prompted two exhibitions running until January 12, 2025: 'Il Seicento in Villa Farnesina' and a related research project. The frescoes, executed in secco technique, were found behind a 19th-century vault and an elevator shaft. Due to difficult access, live webcam feeds allow visitors to view the ongoing restoration in real time. A parallel exhibition compares Raphael's Galatea with later interpretations by Pietro da Cortona, Andrea Sacchi, and Annibale Carracci's workshop, highlighting original variations on the theme. Restorer Maria Rosaria Basileo, along with colleagues Loredana Modanesi and Antonio Forcellino, conducted initial conservation and pigment analysis by Massimo Musacchio (INGV). A conference organized with the École Française de Rome and director Brigitte Marin revealed new historical insights. The project underscores the challenges faced by freelance restorers in Italy, a profession Basileo likens to 'art doctors'.