Dr. & Mrs. Randolph H. Guthrie

Artist Paolo Veneziano (active 1333-58) is considered by scholars to be the most important Venetian painter of the 14th century and founder of the Venetian school of painting. One of the artist’s most spectacular works is the Santa Chiara Polyptych, which was created for the Franciscan nunnery of Santa Chiara in Venice. While the exact date of its creation is unknown, scholars have argued that the artwork may have been created as early as the mid to late 1330s based on stylistic comparisons to other works by the artist around this time.

The polyptych features 25 individually painted scenes and figures set within an elaborately gilded architectural frame. The central panel depicts the Coronation of the Virgin, flanked by 8 scenes from the life of Christ, and the top register contains depictions of Saints Matthew, Clare, John, Francis, Mark, and Luke, as well as the Pentecost, the Last Judgement, and prophets Isaiah and Daniel.

In 1808 following the Napoleonic suppressions of the convent, the central panel of the Coronation was sent to the Brera museum in Milan, and although the polyptych was acquired by the Gallerie dell’Accademia in 1812, the central panel was not re-united with the work until 1950.

As nearly 70 years had passed since the polyptych underwent its last conservation treatment, darkened varnish and surface grime covered the painted surface, masking many details and the more vibrant color tones. The fragile wooden frame and support structure were showing signs of condition problems including cracking and splitting. Save Venice has provided funding for a new conservation treatment, thanks to the generous support of Dr. & Mrs. Randolph H. Guthrie.

The painting was transported to the Misericordia Laboratory in Venice where conservation imaging specialists completed an extensive pre-restoration analysis campaign that included the use of ultraviolet photography.  A full photogrammetric survey of the front and back of the panels and the frame allowed the conservator to understand how the painting’s complex structure is constructed.

The restoration was undertaken by the skilled hands of conservator Milena Dian and involved the removal of the darkened varnish and surface grime that had obscured Paolo’s vibrant color tones. Additionally, panel painting expert Roberto Saccuman meticulously addressed the fragile wooden frame and support structure.

Paolo Veneziano (c. 1300 – c. 1362)
Santa Chiara Polyptych
c. 1330s, tempera and gilding on panel
285 x 187cm