Donatello: Judith & Holofernes Bronze Sculpture

Palazzo Vecchio

Donatello’s Judith and Holofernes in Palazzo Vecchio

June 2024

Commissioned by Piero de’ Medici, the sculptural group once occupied the place where Michelangelo’s David later stood. It was intended to convey a story of the triumph of courage over tyranny and a call to defend the Florentine Republic. When the Medici family was exiled in 1495, the work was reinterpreted as a vibrant symbol of civic freedom. The restoration team included Palazzo Vecchio Curator Dr. Serena Pini, art historian Dr. Lia Brunori in her capacity as Supervisor, and restorer Nicola Salvioli.

The last restoration was conducted in the 1980s, with limited maintenance work occurring in 2004. Using laser technology following an in-depth diagnostic campaign, the current efforts improved legibility while revealing new insights into Donatello’s practice and the way the bronze was assembled. Removing dust, grime, and corrosive damage recovered traces of gilded surfaces originally applied by the artist. Applying gold leaf was common in Florentine sculpture of the period and a recurrent feature of Donatello’s work.

The stone base was also subjected to thorough maintenance involving removal of layers of dust that had built up on the surfaces and replacing the plinth cladding of the metal support on which the sculpture now rests in the Palazzo Vecchio’s Hall of Lilies. Friends of Florence gratefully acknowledged the donors: Catharin Dalpino, Anna and Paul Friedman, Lauren and Phil Hughes, Judith and Arthur Rubin, and Loralee West.

Full Press Release

With the Generous Support of:

Loralee West
Phil and Lauren Hughes
Catharin Dalpino
Ann & Paul Friedman
Arthur & Judith Rubin

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