Preserving masterpieces

I snapped this scene through a roped-off door in the National Gallery of Ancient Art in Barberini Palace in Rome. How I wish I could have been in there up close to the restorers with more than a cellphone camera. According to the wall notice explaining why we were not allowed into the room, the Getty Foundation has funded nine restorers from around the world to gather in Rome to restore three paintings like this, to learn from each other, and to carry the lessons back to their own galleries. Things obviously get a bit technical – the notice explains that they are primarily focusing on the use of water-based adhesives for structural reconstruction of canvas paintings.

The painting receiving loving repairs by art restorers is “The Battle of Constantine and Maxentius” (the clash of the Titans). Preserving art is no less important as preserving slices of natural ecosystems or places of national importance that tell us about our history and identity - what a valuable and satisfying job to have! 

Extra Photos features some other images from around the building (see yesterday’s blip too about the Veiled woman statue). The paintings and statues are awesome, but so too is the palace building itself with high vaulted ceilings, frescoes and marble floors and stairs.

By the way, if you are planning a heist (your very own “Italian Job”?), pick work hours for the lift.  Nearly all the gallery attendants were on their cellphones throughout our visit …