Murillo's Madonna del latte restored at Palazzo Barberini, revealing hidden San Francesco
After nearly a year of restoration work, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo's Madonna del latte has been revitalized at Palazzo Barberini. The project was overseen by Chiara Merucci from the Gallerie Nazionali di Arte Antica, with Alessandra Percoco focusing on the canvas and Vega Santodonato working on the frame, all under the guidance of Alessandro Cosma. The restoration uncovered intricate details of the late 17th-century artwork, showcasing Murillo's techniques and pigments. An extensive X-ray revealed San Francesco kneeling in reverence beneath the surface, suggesting that Murillo reused elements from the original design. This painting, also referred to as Madonna zingara, was once part of Cardinal Neri Maria Corsini's collection, while the Corsini Gallery is presently undergoing renovations.
Key facts
- Restoration of Murillo's Madonna del latte completed after nearly a year at Palazzo Barberini.
- Work directed by Chiara Merucci, with Alessandra Percoco (canvas) and Vega Santodonato (frame), scientific direction by Alessandro Cosma.
- First complete X-ray revealed a hidden figure of San Francesco kneeling in adoration.
- Pigment analysis showed lapis lazuli on the blue mantle and cheaper 'smalto' in altered areas.
- Investigations by Emmebi diagnostica artistica srl and Artelab srl.
- Gustave Flaubert wrote in 1851 about being haunted by the Virgin's eyes.
- Painting also known as Madonna zingara, named by Carl Justi in 1892.
- Originally in collection of Cardinal Neri Maria Corsini (1685-1770), placed in his alcove opposite his bed.
Entities
Artists
- Bartolomé Esteban Murillo
- Gustave Flaubert
- Carl Justi
- Cardinal Neri Maria Corsini
Institutions
- Gallerie Nazionali di Arte Antica
- Palazzo Barberini
- Corsini Gallery
- Emmebi diagnostica artistica srl
- Artelab srl
- Galleria Corsini
- Associazione Civita
- Tenuta Caparzo di Montalcino
- Artribune
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- Montalcino