Two frescoes brought back to life in Santa Croce Church, Florence

written by Ilaria Gelichi

Two frescoes in the Cappella Maggiore in Santa Croce Church, “St. Francis’ Stigmata” by Giotto and “The Assumption of the Virgin” by the Master from Figline, one of the most famous Giotto’s collaborators in Assisi, are now visible again. The restoration had a duration of three years - from 2010 to 2013 - and the inauguration took place last June, the 12th with Stefania Fuscagni, President of the Opera of Santa Croce, Marco Ciatti, supervisor of Opificio delle Pietre Dure, Cristina Acidini, supervisor of the Florentine Museum complex, Isabella Lapi, regional director for Cultural Heritage and Landscape and Cecilia Frosinini, director of the mural painting restoration sector at Opificio delle Pietre Dure.

The restoration was possible thanks to Takaharu Miyashita professor of Western History of Art at the University of Kanazawa, Japan. He decided to donate the inheritance left by his parents for the conservation of art masterpieces in Florence, where he lived from 1973 to 1984. During his stay in Florence he obtained a post-graduate specialization with Alessandro Parronchi and later he collaborated with Fosco Maraini. Professor Miyashita sent his fundamental contribution directly to the Opera of Santa Croce and followed the restoration personally. The value of the restoration was supported equally by professor Miyashita and Opera of Santa Croce; Opificio delle Pietre Dure integrated the sum with other funds.