Tag: World Heritage

Groundbreaking study on Leonardo da Vinci’s red chalk drawing reveals the face of Federico da Montefeltro

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The International Conference, Leonardo The Immortal Light, held at Palazzo Li Madou in Ancona, unveiled a groundbreaking study on Leonardo da Vinci’s red chalk drawing, revealing that it depicted the features of Federico da Montefeltro, the Duke of Urbino. The event, now in its 30th edition, explored Leonardo’s genius through scientific research, philosophy, and art, with renowned experts presenting their findings. The conference also highlighted the role of Neoplatonism during the Renaissance, the symbolism employed by Federico at his court, and the anatomical details of the drawing. The event culminated in the awarding of the prestigious Leonardo International Award to the Marche Region for its commitment to culture, tourism, and sustainability. The discoveries made during the conference underscored the profound connection between the Marches and Leonardo’s works, emphasizing the need for a new humanism that unites spirituality and intellectual achievements. The event serves as a catalyst for cultural rebirth, inspiring further research and appreciation of Leonardo’s legacy, while envisioning a future where art, science, and philosophy intertwine to shape a harmonious society.

After 16 Years of Restoration St John’s Co-Cathedral’s Majestic 17th Century Tapestry to be Exhibited in Malta

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The St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation is delighted to announce that The Set of Tapestriesย will be exhibited at St John’s Co-Cathedral after an extensive restoration process that lastedย 16 years at De Wit Laboratories in Belgium. The last time they were displayed was duringย  Pope St John Paul II’s visit to Malta in 1990.ย 

Deposition of Christ by Donatello – The Mystery of a Restoration

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We learned from the press that the Pontifical Delegation for the Basilica of Saint Anthony ofย Padua appointed a scientific committee composed of four scholars to evaluate the conservation and restoration program of the “Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata” which stands out in the square adjacent to the Basilica of Padua.

Since 2020, Ce.St.Art and the association Territori have conceived, promoted, and presented a far-reaching project which covers not only the restoration of the “Gattamelata Statue” but above all the restoration of the “Deposition of Christ” by Donatello stored inside the Basilica and which, while representing an absolute masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance, is in a questionable condition.

Raphael’s First Signed Painting:ย The โ€œMystic Marriage of Saint Catherineโ€ of Cittร  di Castello

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Mystic Marriage of Saint Catherine, Raphael

In 2010 the “(crypto)signature” in stylized letters “RAFFAEL SANT PXT” and the date 1501 in Roman numerals “MDI” were discovered inserted in the arabesque decoration of the border of Saint Catherine’s mantle.

The presence of Raphael in Cittร  di Castello in those years is proven by the historical sources and consolidated by studies and therefore the date shown on the “small tablet or small panel painting” is perfectly consistent with the biographical events of the Artist.

Moreover, Raphael’s practice of affixing his signature and cryptosignature on paintings was his typical habit during his youthful period and it was also a practice of many other artists before becoming famous.

The Enigma of Raphael โ€“ Price Analysis and History of the Legendary Artist

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Raphael’s incredible works of art were already desired when he was alive. After his passing they became real cult objects and remained as such to this day.

An endless bibliography has dealt with the Raphaelesque myth and the desire to attribute works to his authorship has led over the centuries the scholars to recognize his hand where it wasnโ€™t and not to take it into account even in cases where the documents said the opposite.

On the art market, the demand for Raphael’s paintings has always been characterized by very high values and this, of course, is an important factor of reflection to consider, which can sometimes become the keystone for the interpretation of attributive events.

The Bones of the Earth

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Stone is demanding in its application to art and architecture, requiring great effort and discipline to procure, move, and fashion. It is a subtractive process, where any mistake can prove fatal to the intended product, requiring meticulous care and attention to detail. The inherent properties of stone are that it is insulative, with generally low heat conductivity, and durable, with high compressive strength. As with all things in life, while it retains varying degrees of vulnerability to weathering and deterioration, stone is generally considered to be one of the most resistant materials in existence. These properties lend themselves to a compelling philosophical argument, that those who wish to live a life or build a world of enduring strength and beauty, should not only employ the use of stone in their craft, but model themselves after it as well.