News & Stories

In 2018, Save Venice celebrates a once-in-a-lifetime occasion: the 500th anniversary of the birth of Venetian artist, Jacopo Tintoretto (c. 1518/19–1594). We have marked this major milestone by funding the restoration of 18 Tintoretto paintings in Venice, the artist’s tomb, and by supporting multiple exhibitions, educational initiatives, and publications.

Thanks to the Tintoretto 500 campaign, overlooked masterpieces like the altarpiece of Saint Martial in Glory from the church of San Marziale, the Crucifixion in the Gallerie dell’Accademia, and Saint Jerome’s Vision of the Virgin Mary from the Ateneo Veneto have been transformed and put back on the map. Several artworks in the Palazzo Ducale and the church of the Salute, restored by Save Venice nearly 40 years ago, also underwent new treatment to address condition problems like flaking paint and oxidized varnishes.

Save Venice’s support of scientific investigations during the campaign has led to new discoveries about Tintoretto and his working methods.

More than any other Venetian Renaissance painter, Tintoretto thought big. Born in Venice about 1518, he yearned to cover every wall in his hometown. This year, in celebration of Tintoretto’s 500th birthday, Save Venice has taken the lead in helping to restore paintings by the master, organize innovative exhibitions, and publish books exploring his achievement. We are proud to partner with important institutions––the Musei Civici di Venezia, Gallerie dell’Accademia, Scuola Grande di San Rocco, Scuola Grande di San Marco, National Gallery of Art, Morgan Library and others––to make possible a splendid series of initiatives worthy of this great artist.

Frederick Ilchman
Chairman, Save Venice

Save Venice thanks the many generous supporters of the Tintoretto 500 Campaign:
The Thompson Family Foundation, Inc.
Dr. & Mrs. Randolph H. Guthrie
Richard K. Riess, dedicated to Nancy Jean Riess and her mother
Consuelo Crespo Schnedler in honor of our Lady of the Miraculous Medal
The Boston Chapter of Save Venice
Terry & Dennis Stanfill, in memory of John Julius Norwich
The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation
Anonymous in Honor of Jennifer Fletcher
Adelina & William Ettelson
Lee Essex Doyle and Juan Prieto
Robert Echols, Beatrice & José Esteve and Frederick Ilchman