Restorer Valeria carrying out a proof to remove the yellowish aged varnish from a painting surface at the restoration laboratory, Rome

A privileged visit to the laboratory where Caravaggio’s paintings were restored with Roma Experience

Last 1st of August we had the honor of being invited by Roma Experience to take part into the innovative “Restoring Caravaggio” tour in Rome, which allows visitors to get privileged access to a prestigious restoration laboratory where expert restorers concretely show their activities and tell about their stunning experience in restoring precious paintings, including Caravaggio’s masterpieces.

Restorer Valeria carrying out a proof to remove the yellowish aged varnish from a painting surface at the restoration laboratory, Rome

Restorer Valeria carrying out a proof to remove the yellowish aged varnish from a painting surface at the restoration laboratory, Rome.

We’d like to share this one-of-a-kind experience with our readers, because we deem this as a unique opportunity to enrich their exploration of Rome, letting them to get in a more intimate and authentic contact with the living art soul of the Eternal City and the real people who contribute to preserve it.

The visit guided by Roma Experience during the "Restoring Caravaggio - A VIP Rome Tour Experience" on the 1st August 2018, Rome, basilica di Santa Maria del Popolo, Cerasi chapel

The visit guided by Roma Experience during the "Restoring Caravaggio - A VIP Rome Tour Experience" on the 1st August 2018, Rome, basilica di Santa Maria del Popolo, Cerasi chapel.

The visit guided by Roma Experience during the "Restoring Caravaggio - A VIP Rome Tour Experience" on the 1st August 2018, Rome, basilica di Sant'Agostino, Cavalletti chapel

The visit guided by Roma Experience during the "Restoring Caravaggio - A VIP Rome Tour Experience" on the 1st August 2018, Rome, basilica di Sant'Agostino, Cavalletti chapel.

The first half of the tour develops itself immersing the travelers in a thematic route across three churches in the historic center of Rome, where six paintings by the revolutionary Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (Milan?, 1571 – Porto Ercole?, 1610) can be extraordinarily appreciated in their original setting.

The visit guided by Roma Experience during the "Restoring Caravaggio - A VIP Rome Tour Experience" on the 1st August 2018, Rome, chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi, Contarelli chapel

The visit guided by Roma Experience during the "Restoring Caravaggio - A VIP Rome Tour Experience" on the 1st August 2018, Rome, chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi, Contarelli chapel.

The visit guided by Roma Experience during the "Restoring Caravaggio - A VIP Rome Tour Experience" on the 1st August 2018, Rome, chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi, Contarelli chapel

The visit guided by Roma Experience during the "Restoring Caravaggio - A VIP Rome Tour Experience" on the 1st August 2018, Rome, chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi, Contarelli chapel.

The second part of the tour gives the visitors an extraordinary access to the acclaimed restoration laboratory. The kind and learned restorers explain their scientific approach and working methods, aimed at respecting the artwork and guaranteeing its conservation for future generations.

Restorers showing the back of a late 16th century panel painting by Andrea Sabatino, also known as Andrea da Salerno, at the restoration laboratory, Rome

Restorers showing the back of a late 16th century panel painting by Andrea Sabatino, also known as Andrea da Salerno, at the restoration laboratory, Rome.

Restorer Arianna explaining the activities at the restoration laboratory, Rome

Restorer Arianna explaining the activities at the restoration laboratory, Rome.

After a preliminary analysis, carried out with scientific devices as their ultraviolet lamp, they proceed in removing the aged varnish usually applied also to protect the surface on the occasion of previous restoration works, because it prevents the right visual appreciation of the painting. Then the restoration of the colors takes place before the final application of the new layer of varnish.

Restorer Arianna explaining the activities at the restoration laboratory, Rome

Restorer Arianna explaining the activities at the restoration laboratory, Rome.

Canvases, gilded panels, pigments and other materials used in painting, on display to be touched at the restoration laboratory, Rome

Canvases, gilded panels, pigments and other materials used in painting, on display to be touched at the restoration laboratory, Rome.

Knowing that Caravaggio's paintings as the Madonna dei PellegriniConversion of Saul and the Adoration of the Shepherds were restored in this laboratory is a true emotion. And we can't tell how it's exciting to assist to the practical demonstration of a cleaning proof example, practiced on a really ancient painting surface, and of the usage of restoration materials and techniques. For the first time, a visitor can experience all the aspects of art, seeing, touching and breathing it together with its guardian angels.

Restorer Arianna showing the cleaning proofs on a painting, at the restoration laboratory, Rome

Restorer Arianna showing the cleaning proofs on a painting, at the restoration laboratory, Rome.

The restorer showing the egg tempera painting technique, at the restoration laboratory, Rome

The restorer showing the egg tempera painting technique, at the restoration laboratory, Rome.

PS: All Milestone Rome’s opinions are and will always be genuine.

The diagnostic analysis of a painting through the UV lamp, which allows to recognize previous restoration interventions

The diagnostic analysis of a painting through the UV lamp, which allows to recognize previous restoration interventions.

Milestone Rome
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