It seems truly unbelievable. The fourth Biennale Internazionale dell’Arte Contemporanea, which convenes in Florence this December, has awarded one of its Premio Lorenzo il Magnifico awards to the restoration laboratory of the Vatican Museums (the other went to Ferrari) in honor of the laboratory’s “unequalled and continuing efforts” in its projects, “above all the complex restoration […]
You most certainly haven’t seen Raphael’s Madonna recently, even if you have been to Florence’s Uffizi gallery during the past five years. Since May of 1999, the painting has been missing from its regular location, with a poor copy in its place. It has been transported to the Opificio della pietre dure, where it has […]
Dear ArtWatcher, Throughout the past year, ArtWatch International has been deeply engaged in a battle with the Galleria Accademia and the Soprintendente of Arts in Florence in an attempt to halt the cleaning of Michelangelo’s David, conducted to coincide with the 500th anniversary of the statue’s placement on the Piazza della Signoria in April 1504. […]
PINKS UPDATE(10/18/2004) As London National Gallery celebrates their version of the Madonna of the Pinks with a travelling exhibition, James Beck lays out the evidence against the attribution of the small panel to Raphael. It is my opinion that the Northumberland picture cannot be the original, prime version of the composition known in about 48 […]
The tomb of Pope Julius II in San Pietro in Vincoli in Rome, including Michelangelo’s Moses, was unveiled following a cleaning that lasted for nearly three years. In keeping with the commemorative trend of recent restorations, the celebration of the project’s completion was timed to coincide with the 500th anniversary of the inauguration of Julius’ […]
As we examine the fate of our greatest art treasures, we cannot help but think that birthdays are not always a very good thing. As human beings, we know that as well, for as we mature, along with our wisdom, come changes that not all of us appreciate. Our hair thins and grays. Our skin […]
English 24 July Open Letter to the Hon. Minister of Culture Giuliano Urbani Signed: James Beck, President of Artwatch International and ArtWatch Italia. Commendatore della Repubblica Italiana. Heartfelt thanks, Signor Minister. You have personally given Soprintendente Antonio Paolucci of Florence permission to proceed with the restoration of the David. However, you have also given the […]
“Washington National Gallery has announced in a press release dated 18 July 2003 that Andrea del Verrocchio’s David will be on the road even longer than originally expected. “”Discoveries”” made during the current restoration of the David, mostly related to the hypothesis about the original location of Goliath’s head and the technique of the gilding, […]
It is an all too common experience in Florence’s Uffizi museum to pass through the galleries and find blank passages of wall where one expected to see a familiar painting, replaced by the ominous sign, in restauro . Only this time, Piero Pollaiuolo’s Charity WAS on view in the Uffizi, though not with the other […]