Three Major Italian Art Restorations Underway in February 2023
February 2023 saw the launch of three significant restoration projects on Italian cultural heritage. The Baptistery of Florence's dome mosaics, created between 1225 and 1330 by artists including Cimabue and Coppo di Marcovaldo, are undergoing structural stabilization and cleaning by the Centro di Conservazione Archeologica. An innovative scaffolding system by Tecno System Appalti and Layher S.p.A. allows public viewing at close range. At the MAEC in Cortona, Luca Signorelli's 'Tondo with Virgin and Child and Saints Protectors of Cortona' (1510-1515) is being restored by Nadia Innocentini, funded by Victoria and Larry Smith's book sale proceeds, ahead of the 'Signorelli500' exhibition opening June 23. In Palermo, the UNESCO-listed Castello della Zisa, a Norman monument, is undergoing a €1 million restoration funded by PO FESR 2014-2020, designed by the Soprintendenza with architect Maria Serena Tusa, project manager Filippo Davì, executed by Società Cooperativa Archeologica di Firenze, focusing on the Sala della Fontana, roof terrace, and guardhouse, with completion by December 31, 2023.
Key facts
- Restoration of Baptistery of Florence dome mosaics began in February 2023.
- Mosaics date from 1225 to 1330 and involve 10 million tesserae.
- Artists include Cimabue, Coppo di Marcovaldo, Meliore, and Maestro della Maddalena.
- Centro di Conservazione Archeologica is conducting the restoration.
- Innovative scaffolding by Tecno System Appalti and Layher S.p.A. allows public access.
- Luca Signorelli's 'Tondo' at MAEC Cortona is being restored by Nadia Innocentini.
- Restoration funded by Victoria and Larry Smith via book 'The Little Lark Still Sing'.
- Signorelli500 exhibition opens June 23, 2023 at MAEC Cortona.
- Castello della Zisa restoration budget is €1 million from PO FESR 2014-2020.
- Restoration designed by Soprintendenza with architect Maria Serena Tusa.
- Project manager is architect Filippo Davì; contractor is Società Cooperativa Archeologica di Firenze.
- Completion deadline for Castello della Zisa is December 31, 2023.
- Focus areas: Sala della Fontana, roof terrace, guardhouse.
Entities
Artists
- Cimabue
- Coppo di Marcovaldo
- Meliore
- Maestro della Maddalena
- Luca Signorelli
- Nadia Innocentini
- Victoria Smith
- Larry Smith
- Maria Serena Tusa
- Filippo Davì
Institutions
- Battistero di Firenze
- Centro di Conservazione Archeologica
- Tecno System Appalti
- Layher S.p.A.
- MAEC di Cortona
- Soprintendenza
- Società Cooperativa Archeologica di Firenze
- Regione Siciliana
- UNESCO
Locations
- Florence
- Italy
- Cortona
- Palermo
- Sicily