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Save Venice has launched a new campaign to conserve Titian’s Annunciation in the Malchiostro Chapel of the Duomo di Treviso in collaboration with the Diocese of Treviso. The painting dates to around 1520, just a couple of years after Titian completed the Assunta for the high altar of the Basilica dei Frari in Venice, and was commissioned by the canon Broccardo Malchiostro, whose controversial likeness is depicted in the background of the composition.

One of the artistic treasures of the city’s cathedral, the fragile wood panel will undergo urgently needed conservation treatment during the summer and autumn of 2021 to address structural problems with the wooden support that have caused areas of the painted surface to lift and buckle. Panel painting expert Roberto Saccuman will devise a new backing support structure while paintings conservator Francesca Faleschini will focus on the oxidized varnish, surface grime, and overpainting that are obscuring details and the vibrancy of Titian’s palette. Faleschini will carefully thin and remove these later layers. Work will take place on-site in the the Malchiostro Chapel, and visitors to the church will be able to view the process thanks to a worksite that encourages observation of the conservation activity, designed by the UniSVe firm.

Comprehensive diagnostic testing and analyses using non-invasive methods including UV and Infrared photography will aid conservators and provide new insights into Titian’s working methods. Following conservation, if the work is deemed stable enough for transport, it will be featured in an upcoming exhibition on Titian and his circle, scheduled to open in December 2021 in they city of Belluno, 100 km north of Venice and not far from Pieve di Cadore, Titian’s hometown.

On Thursday, June 3, 2021, Save Venice representatives were part of the public presentation launching the conservation campaign for Titian’s painting. Present were the Bishop of Treviso, Mons. Michele Tomasi; the Mayor of Treviso, Mario Conte; the Superintendent for the metropolitan area of Venice and the provinces of Belluno, Padova, and Treviso, Fabrizio Magani; head of the cultural office of the Diocese of Treviso, Father Paolo Barbisan; conservator Francesca Faleschini; art historian Enrico Dal Pozzolo; and Save Venice Vice-President Alberto Nardi.