On Wednesday, 23 October 2024, at 5 p.m., it will be possible to attend the presentation of the recovery of the 16th century painting ‘Mary Mother of the Church’ at the Pio IX Hall of the Archiepiscopal Palace.
Speakers: H.E. Msgr. Giovanni Paolo Benotto, Archbishop of Pisa.
Institutional Greetings: Fondazione Pisa, Soprintendenza A.B.A.P. of Pisa and Livorno
Presenting the painting and the restoration: Marco Collareta, Elena Salotti, Daria Gastone, Anna Triani
The complex restoration of a painting from the third quarter of the sixteenth century, preserved in the archbishopric of Pisa, was realized with the contribution of the Fondazione Pisa under the High Supervision of the ABAP Superintendence of Pisa and Livorno.
The presentation will be addressed by the Archbishop of Pisa, Mons. Giovanni Paolo Benotto and professor Marco Collareta, who will illustrate the work from an artistic historical point of view.
The painting on board was damaged by a fire, occurred in historical times, making the recovery of the work complex. The state of conservation in which it was had to be investigated more thoroughly, the survey was carried out on behalf of the Superintendence of Pisa by Dr.ssa Elena Salotti, that together with the restorer Anna Triani will present the delicate restoration phases and the interventions carried out on the compromised painting surface.
The recovery has allowed to deepen the knowledge of the painting and reconstruct its events until arrival in the archbishop’s palace. The circumstances and historical vicissitudes will be illustrated by Francesca Barsotti and Daria Gastone, who has edited the documentary research.
The diocesan office coordinated the various phases, from the first identification of the painting during the inventory of cultural goods kept in the archbishop’s palace, promoted by the Italian Episcopal Conference. The restoration has brought to light a painting almost unknown and return it to the community and the citizens in its beauty and artistic quality, as well as inserting it into the historical context of Pisa.
The Pisa Foundation has welcomed the project, not easy to implement, with the usual sensitivity towards the conservation and enhancement of ecclesiastical cultural heritage. The project has seen full collaboration with the Soprintendenza A.B.A.P. of Pisa and is an example of the virtuous cooperation between different entities in favor of the safeguarding of diocesan and civic ecclesiastical heritage.
To participate please confirm by e-mail to bce@diocesidipisa.it