Donatello: Judith & Holofernes Bronze Sculpture
Donatello’s Judith and Holofernes in Palazzo Vecchio Brancacci Chapel, Church of Santa Maria del Carmine Oratory of St. Sebastian, Church of the Santissima Annunziata Florence, Italy…Three major projects restored thanks to support from Friends of Florence Foundation are now on public view: Donatello’s monumental bronze sculpture Judith and Holofernes (1457-1464) in the Palazzo Vecchio; the […]
San Miniato al Monte – Mosaic in the Apse
The Church of San Miniato al Monte overlooking Florence celebrated its 1000 anniversary in 2018 and continues to be a unique spiritual and cultural site for the city. Friends of Florence restored the High Altar in honor of the 1000 anniversary in 2018 with the support of major donors. In 2021, we completed the restoration […]
San Miniato at Monte Abbey
San Miniato at Monte Abbey including Byzantine mosaic in the apse, pulpit, choir screen, glazed terracotta crucifix, and a reliquary bust of San Miniato The restoration of the Abbey of San Miniato al Monte in Florence was conducted by a team of restorers and diagnostic and conservation experts under the watchful eye of the Soprintendenza Archeologia […]
Terrestrial Globe by Cornelis De Jode’s Terrestrial Globe (1594)
FLORENCE.- Cornelis De Jode’s terrestrial globe, an extremely rare example of historical cartography made in Antwerp in 1594, and a paper astrolabe, dated 1668 and possibly made in northern France, are now on view at Museo Galileo in Florence, Italy. On September 6, 2023, the exquisitely crafted scientific instruments were presented to the public by […]
Chapel of St. Nicholas (San Nicola Chapel)
The Chapel of St. Nicholas in the Basilica of the Santissima Annunziata has been restored to its original splendor. The project began in October 2021, was completed in January 2023, and formally presented June 2023 with Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Culture Alessia Bettini, Friends of Florence President Simonetta Brandolini d’Adda, and the restoration experts in […]
Mino da Fiesole’s Tomb of Hugh, Margrave of Tuscany
In 1481, Mino da Fiesole completed this tomb for the oldest monastic foundation in Florence, the Benedictine Abbey known as the Badia. This monumental marble wall tomb is one of Mino’s most famous works, revealing his skill as a sculptor of portraits, reliefs, and elaborate decorative moldings, and his gift as a designer of complex […]
Chapel of St. Luke (also known as the Chapel of the Painters)
Restoration of the Accademia delle Arti del Disegno’s Chapel of St. Luke (also known as the Chapel of the Painters) is complete. This uniquely designed space within the Convent of the Santissima Annunziata is known for its unusual combination of materials and techniques and the artworks adorning it. The two-year restoration project was commissioned by […]
The Madonna of the Stairs and the Battle of the Centaurs, and the Refurbishment of the Room of Marbles
Michelangelo Buonarroti’s The Madonna of the Stars and The Battle of the Centaurs, and the Refurbishment of the Room of Marbles Restoration Site: Museo della Casa Buonarroti, Florence Owner: Museo della Casa Buonarroti Work Directors: Jennifer Celani, Alessandro Cecchi Restorers: Daniela Manna, Marina Vincenti Photography: Antonio Quattrone for the restoration of Michelangelo’s works, Claudio Giusti for the refurbished Room of […]
Ambrogio Lorenzetti Cross from the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Siena
Crucifix by Ambrogio Lorenzetti in the Pinacoteca Nazionale, Siena We are delighted to report that when the past Covid-19 restrictions lifted, more of our projects were able to resume. One is the restoration of the large crucifix by Ambrogio Lorenzetti (c. 1290-1348) painted for the Convent of San Niccolò al Carmine in Siena. In poor […]
Rare 17th Century Celestial Globe at Museo Galileo in Florence restored thanks to Friends of Florence
Dedicated to the rulers of the United Provinces of Belgium, the celestial globe made by Jodocus Hondius Jr. and Adriaen Veen in 1613 shows stars observed by Tycho Brahe and the Antarctic stars recorded by Pietre Dierchsz Keyser and Frederick de Houtman. Florence, Italy, November 23, 2021…The Museo Galileo in Florence unveiled its newly restored […]