Suor Plautilla Nelli’s Madonna of the Rosary, Montaione

3 March, 2024

To commemorate Suor Plautilla Nelli’s 500th anniversary, we restored her grand altarpiece, the ‘Madonna of the Rosary.’ Renowned Nelli conservator Rossella Lari, along with the Lorenzo de’ Medici Institute’s Advanced Restoration students, brought this masterpiece back to life.

WHAT

Coinciding with the 500^th anniversary of Plautilla Nelli’s birth, Florence’s first recognized female Renaissance artist (1524-1588) the following restoration was conducted on this large altarpiece, the ‘Madonna of the Rosary’. Restoration of the painting was carried out by renowned ‘Nelli’ conservator Rossella Lari in collaboration with Anna Floridia, for the Superintendency of Florence. Historians Catherine Turrill Lupi and Fausta Navarro made an important contribution with their research and increased new findings on the recently discovered Nelli paintings.
WHEN

Project began: March 2024
Completion and presentation of restoration and publication: December 2024
WHERE

The restoration of the painting was carried out by Rossella Lari, the living hand of Nelli in her studio in Florence. Roberto Buda restored the damaged panels and treated the wood, the frame was restored by William Johnson, a collaboration that worked together to restore this beautiful painting and enhance the body of Nelli works nationally and internationally with various events planned throughout 2024. The painting owned by the commune of Montaione was a project dear to the heart of Artemisia Gold, the Mayor of Montaione, Paolo Pomponi, as well as the whole Community of Montaione. There were several events surrounding this initiative, including conferences, exhibitions, and gala events in Montaione, Florence, Italy, London, England, and the 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: Suor 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

Before Restoration – Overall View

Overall view of the painting prior to conservation, showing surface grime, oxidized varnish, structural deformations of the panel, and extensive chromatic alteration that obscured the original palette and spatial depth.

X-radiograph – Detail

Detail X-ray image revealing pentimenti, alterations in figure placement, and the stratigraphy of the paint layers.

Ultraviolet (UV) Examination

Ultraviolet fluorescence imaging highlighting aged varnish layers, retouchings, and areas of previous restoration.

Low-Density / Diagnostic Image (LD)

Diagnostic imaging used to assess surface condition and paint distribution.

Wood Panel Restoration

Structural conservation of the wooden support, including stabilization of joins and corrective interventions to ensure long-term preservation.

Unveiling Event – General View

The unveiling ceremony celebrating the completion of the restoration project and the renewed visibility of Plautilla Nelli’s work.

Unveiling Event – Speakers Panel

Presentation and discussion by conservators, scholars, and local representatives during the official unveiling of the restored work.

Madonna of the Rosary – In Situ, Montaione

The restored altarpiece displayed in its original devotional setting in Montaione, re-integrated into the architectural and liturgical context for which it was created.