Restoration of Bellini's Frari Triptych Begins in Venice

Restoration efforts for Giovanni Bellini's Madonna and Child with Saints, commonly referred to as the Frari Triptych, have commenced at the Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari in Venice. This initiative is backed by Merrill Shields and Dr. M. Ray Thomasson, with skilled conservators Giulio Bono and Roberto Saccuman at the helm. They have successfully disassembled and moved the 15th-century altarpiece from the sacristy to a temporary restoration lab within the church. Over the next two years, the project will tackle a wood-boring insect infestation affecting the panel paintings and frame. Additionally, conservators will reinforce weakened sections, stabilize decorative features, and enhance the frame's structural integrity while addressing paint lifting and removing old varnishes. This altarpiece is a vital piece of Venetian Renaissance art, making its careful restoration essential for cultural preservation.