Tintoretto’s Venetian masterpieces available to visitors Automatic translate

VENICE. Scuola Grande di San Rocco in Venice, built in the 16th century and decorated with a large number of wall and ceiling paintings by Tintoretto, is currently available to visitors. 25 paintings in the upper hall of the Sala Superiore were cleaned of dirt and restored, and in another hall, Sala dell’Albergo, a modern lighting system was installed. The restoration project, launched in 2014, is designed for three years and is funded by the Swiss watch company Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Tintoretto - Crucifix (1565)

Scuola Grande di San Rocco is one of the best preserved among the six large urban high schools - buildings that hosted brotherhoods in the Middle Ages who were engaged in charity and protecting the interests of people of art and those who belonged to certain professions. Several architects, including Bartolomeo Bon and Antonio Scarpagnino, took part in the construction of this building, which began in 1517 and ended in 1558. In 1564, a competition was announced for the right to paint the premises of Sala dell’Albergo, in which the Tintoretto School also took part. Despite some opposition from the Skuola advisers, and one of them was ready to pay 50 ducats for Tintoretto to be refused, the order was given to this particular artist. Work on it lasted until 1587.

“Restoring the inside of the scuola is a very lengthy process,” says vicar Demetrio Sonaglioni. To remove the burns and soot from centuries of burning candles here from marble elements of decor and art paintings, a team of experts led by private restorer Monica Vial used strips of wet paper and steam. For several days they had to soak the dirt so that they could remove it without harm.

The results were astounding. Marble panels that were previously considered bronze - they accumulated so much dirt on themselves - acquired their original grayish tint, and the delicate details of the sculptural scenes became clear and legible. The overall effect, along with bright lighting, gives visitors an idea of ​​how this space looked from the beginning.

Scuols competed with each other, each tried to build the most luxurious building and invited the best masters of their time for this. Particular importance was attached to fine marble carvings and paintings. Thanks to the skill of Tintoretto, Sala dell’Albergo boasts a scene of the Passion of Christ and a rondo on the ceiling with the image of St. Roch. Twenty remote-controlled LED projectors highlight specific aspects of each painting.

“We use lights to help tell the story of the Passion,” Sonaloni says, adding that he would like to install a similar lighting system in other rooms. Jaeger-LeCoultre has a long-standing partnership with Venice, including being considered one of the key sponsors of the Venice Film Festival. In addition, the company finances various projects to restore creative heritage around the world, from the preservation of the first films to the restoration of historical clocks, paintings, buildings.

Anna Sidorova © Gallerix.ru