Deposition with Saint Francis and Mary Magdalene

Oil painting on canvas
Copy of Annibale Carracci, 18th Century

Why did ArteProArte fund this work?

Montemonaco sits in the shadow of the Sibillini and was forcibly struck by the 2016 earthquakes, including the Church of Saint Benedict in which the painting had hung since first commissioned.  Displayed in the presbytery, it was a much-loved symbol of the richness of Montemonaco’s cultural heritage.  The commune could assure the committee that the work would be returned to public view.

  • Montemonaco - Deposition with St Francis and Mary Magdalene before restoration
    Before restoration
  • Montemonaco- Deposition with St Francis and Mary Magdalene support before restoration
    Support before restoration
  • Montemonaco- Deposition with St Francis and Mary Magdalene process of rebacking
    During rebacking process
  • Montemonaco- Deposition with St Francis and Mary Magdalene coat of arms of Montemonaco revealed
    Coat of arms of Montemonaco revealed
  • Montemonaco- Deposition with St Francis and Mary Magdalene showign difference between cleaned and not cleaned sections
    Difference between cleaned and not cleaned sections
  • Montemonaco- Deposition with St Francis and Mary Magdalene close up of difference between cleaned and not cleaned sections
    Detail of difference between cleaned and not cleaned sections
  • Montemonaco- Deposition with St Francis and Mary Magdalene after restoration
    After restoration

How was the artwork damaged by the earthquake?

The church in which the painting hung suffered severe seismic shocks. The painting was already in poor condition and not attached properly to its supporting frame. The earthquakes made this worse.

What conservation was carried out?

First the painting was removed from its precarious frame and backing. This revealed a number of obscured features on the edges of the picture including the heraldic symbol of Montemonaco.  The back of the painting was carefully cleaned of dust and fragments of plaster.  Previous patches were lifted off and a new surface backing created from a paste of animal glue, molasses and flour that was ‘ironed’ until dry.  The painting was then remounted onto a new frame of sustainable fir with beech wedges. The paint surface was carefully cleaned with a cotton bud to reveal the original colours as much as possible. A host of small tears were filled and retouched using 3 different finishing techniques depending on their severity. A final protective sealant was applied.  All interventions were agreed by the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage and the Environment of Le Marche.

Andrea Simone, a local accredited conservator-restorer carried out the work from his studio in Comunanza, meaning the funds supported a craftsman of Le Marche. 

Who carried out the conservation?

Andrea Simoni, a local accredited conservator-restorer carried out the work from his studio in Comunanza, meaning the funds supported a craftsman of Le Marche. 

How long did it take?

It took approximately 6 months to complete.

Where is the painting now?

The painting is hanging in the Museo Diocesano di Arte Sacra di Montemonaco for all visitors to enjoy.