After a long and delicate conservation operation, Beato Angelico ’s Crucifixion is finally back on view in the Convent of San Domenico in Fiesole (Florence). The work, of extraordinary artistic and spiritual importance, underwent a maintenance restoration made possible thanks to the support of the Friends of Florence Foundation. The work was carried out by restorers Cristiana Conti and Alessandra Popple, of the company SAR snc, under the high supervision of the Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio for the Metropolitan City of Florence and the provinces of Pistoia and Prato.
The fresco, located in the Chapter House of the ancient convent, was known to few, hidden for centuries and rediscovered only in the late 19th century. Its re-emergence and recent restoration return to the community a youthful but intense work by the Florentine master, painted in the first half of the 15th century and already witnessing the unmistakable spirituality that would mark his entire output.
“Friends of Florence’s commitment to the works of Beato Angelico continues with this project for the beautiful Crucifixion in the Sala del Capitolo of San Domenico,” stresses Simonetta Brandolini d’Adda, president of Friends of Florence. “In front of the fresco, within the walls of the convent in the Chapter House, the serenity and spirituality that the work conveys to us is part of a truly moving experience. We thank the Fathers who opened the doors of the Convent of San Domenico allowing us to work, the officials of the ABAP Superintendency who, with attention, followed the work, the generous donor Gerhard De Geer together with the enlightened doctors of the Belacqua group (Camilla Alderighi, Raffaele Rasoini and Steven Woloshin). We are also grateful to Cristiana Conti and Alessandra Popple for the excellent restoration performed.
