Bernini's Cornaro Chapel restored in Rome

The Cornaro Chapel in the Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria in Rome, a Baroque masterpiece by Gian Lorenzo Bernini housing his Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, has undergone a complete restoration. The project, carried out by the Soprintendenza Speciale di Roma, included consolidation of the fresco and stuccoes of the empyrean (painted in 17 workdays by Guidobaldo Abbatini), cleaning of the four gilded stucco relief scenes of Saint Teresa's life, treatment of the sculptural group of Saint Teresa and the angel to remove sulfation and detachment of stucco and gold leaf, restoration of the stained glass above the group, and cleaning of the lateral bas-reliefs of the Cornaro family. Preliminary studies revealed new insights into Bernini's working methods, particularly his integration of architecture, painting, sculpture, and scenography. The chapel was commissioned by Cardinal Federico Cornaro in 1647, dedicated to Saint Teresa of Avila, canonized in 1622. A distinctive feature is Bernini's hidden light chamber that filters sunlight through yellow-amber glass, amplified by gilded bronze rays. Soprintendente Daniela Porro called the intervention important for its comprehensive scope and as a unique study opportunity. Scientific director Mariella Nuzzo noted that the restoration addressed issues not tackled in previous restorations, including repositioning the window irradiating the sculptural group and restoring the cupola stuccoes.