News & Stories

Following the successful completion of conservation treatment that began in June 2021, Titian’s enigmatic panel painting of the Annunciation in the Malchiostro Chapel of the Duomo di Treviso can once again be admired by churchgoers and visitors. Save Venice extends its heartfelt gratitude to Christopher Todd Page for generously sponsoring this restoration.

The restored painting was unveiled to the public on April 28 with a ceremony that included a blessing led by the Bishop of Treviso Mons. Michele Tomasi, and presentations from Don Paolo Barbisan, Director of the cultural office of the Diocese of Treviso, Treviso Mayor Mario Conte, art historian Luca Majoli from the Superintendency for the metropolitan area of Venice and the provinces of Belluno, Padova, and Treviso, Save Venice Board Vice-President Alberto Nardi, and conservators Francesca Faleschini and Roberto Saccuman.

This conservation treatment led to the exciting discovery of Titian’s original inscription that had been covered over for centuries. The inscription, which was found thanks to scientific analysis using Infrared technology, acknowledges the commissioner of the painting Broccardo Malchiostro and the artist’s signature and date “TITIANVS P MDXX” in the bottom right section of the painting. Although the work was believed to have been completed around 1518–1520, these findings can confirm the date of 1520 with absolute certainty.

Thanks to the efforts of conservators Francesca Faleschini and Roberto Saccuman, the condition issues that had plagued the work, including lifting and buckling paint, oxidized varnish, surface grime, chromatically altered overpainting, and structural problems, have all been addressed, ensuring that Titian’s altarpiece is preserved for future generations.