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Plautilla Nelli: Montaione, Restoration Project with Publication

March 3, 2024

Join us in commemorating Plautilla Nelli’s 500th anniversary with the restoration of her grand altar piece, the ‘Madonna of the Rosary.’ Renowned Nelli conservator Rossella Lari, along with the Lorenzo de’ Medici Institute’s Advanced Restoration students, will bring this masterpiece back to life.

  • WHAT

    Coinciding with the 500th anniversary of Plautilla Nelli’s birth, Florence’s first recognized female Renaissance artist (1524-1588) the following restoration is planned on this large altarpiece, the  ‘Madonna of the Rosary’. Restoration of the painting will be carried out by renowned ‘Nelli’ conservator Rossella Lari in collaboration with the Lorenzo de’ Medici Institute whose ‘Advanced Restoration’ students under the direction of head professor Dr. Roberta Lapucci will be carrying out the restoration of the frame and the Superintendency of Florence. Catherine Turrill Lupi will be making a precious contribution with her research and increasing new findings on the recently discovered Nelli paintings. Other LdM departments will also be involved including: Gender Studies, Jewelry Design, Fine Art, Graphics and Communication are also participating in this project. Leading Nelli scholar.

  • WHEN

    Project start: March 2024
    Completion and presentation of restoration and publication: October 2024 (date to be confirmed)

  • WHERE
    The restoration of the painting will be carried out by Rossella Lari, the living hand of Nelli in her studio in Florence. The restoration of the frame will be carried out at the Lorenzo de’Medici Institute in Florence, a joint collaboration that work together to restore this beautiful painting and enhance the body of Nelli works Nationally and Internationally with various events planned in 2024. The painting owned by the commune of Montaione is a project dear to the heart of Artemisia Gold, the Mayor of Montaione, Paolo Pomponi and Councillor of Art and Culture, Rachele de Prisco as well as the whole Community of Montaione. There will be several events surrounding this initiative including: conferences, exhibitions and gala events Montaione, Florence, London and USA.
  • Project includes:
    • Art history research
    • Diagnostic testing
    • Restoration of the painting- Rossella Lari
    • Frame conservation – Lorenzo de’ Medici Institute
    • Photographic campaign
    • Private visits to the restoration studios
    • Presentation of the final project of  ‘Advanced Restoration’ LdM students to go towards their Degree
    • Press Conference and presentation of completed project post-restoration
    • National and International press campaign
    • Presentation of the painting after restoration with its accompanying publication
    • Inaugural events
  • INFO
    • Artist: Plautilla Nelli
    • Technique: Oil painting on panel
    • Subject: Madonna of the Rosary,
    • Location: Montaione, Church of Saint Joseph and Lucia
    • Size: 175 cm x 139 cm, with frame 222 cm x 186 cm x 9 cm