E c c e l l e n z eR de sa tl o m r aotni do on
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some of the most important works Donatello, from Mantegna to Raphael
fected the restoration of some of the most important works of art in the world. The ability of its artisans restored many undisputable masterpieces to their original splendours: Giotto’s Crucifix and the Holy Trinity by Masaccio in the church of Santa Maria Novella, the wooden Crucifix by Donatello in the church of Santa Croce, the Legend of the True Cross by Piero della Francesca in Arezzo, the Madonna with the Goldfinch by Raphael at the Uffizi, the San Zeno altarpiece by Andrea Mantegna in Verona, the Codex Resta at the Biblioteca Ambrosiana in Milan, The Beheading of St. John the Baptist by Caravaggio in Malta, just to mention but a few of the most important accomplishments of the Opificio, that are particulary significant for the works of art involved and the difficulty of the operations, all documented in the rich archives of the seat. At present the Institute’s activity is organised in the workshops, located at the historical premises in via Alfani, where the museum and the library are located, as well as in the Fortezza da Basso and the Palazzo Vecchio. It is divided into departments organised according to the materials of the artworks, from tapestries to bronzes,
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from painting (on canvas, wood and wall) to stoneworks and paper documents, from mosaics to commesso fiorentino and jewellery, from wood sculpture to textiles and ceramics. The Institute deals also with research and teaching at the highest levels. It is the seat of the reputed Scuola di Alta Formazione, that attracts students from all corners of the world for the prestigious degree in Art restoration (equivalent to a master’s degree), it awards at the end of five years they spend between theory and workshops. Only 15 excellent students are admitted at this extraordinary school after a rigorous selection, against the many applications it receives every year. Sadly the managers have lamented a difficult situation for the Opificio because retiring restorers are not replaced due to scanty financial resources. Many precious knowhows are lost causing a great damage to the world of restoration, both in Italy and abroad. Public opinion must be urgently alterted and Italian institutions should grant the necessary funds to avoid the decline of this historical breeding house of excellence. Because Florence cannot lose its “gold hands”, a unique heritage of know-how and culture, admired all over the world.
HIGH SCHOOL Above, students and teachers of the Scuola di Alta Formazione during the restoration of the Crucifix by Giotto. Below, the cleaning of the San Zeno altarpiece by Mantegna. In the middle of the page, stone inlay work. Opposite, top, studying wood sculptures; bottom, the Madonna di Citerna by Donatello.
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