The Structural Conservation of Panel Paintings

applying a series of interventions, whether they be in the form of treat-

ments or of preventive conservation efforts.

The primary goal in restoring panel paintings is to renew the func-

tionality of the structural support and to improve stability (with resulting

benefitsfor the preparatory and paint layers) while adopting methods with

minimal invasiveness. The following examples of works restored during

the past few years in Florence will better clarify these concepts.

The first example is The Coronation of the Virgin,an altarpiece painted by

Domenico Beccafumi in 1540 (Fig. 1). The painting, which comes from the

Church of the Santo Spirito in Siena, was executed for the Camaldolite

monastery of Ognissanti, outside of Porta Romana in Siena. After the

monastery’s abolishment, the panel painting was moved to the Accademia

in Florence and exhibited until 1810. In 1832 Romanelli recorded it in the

sacristy of the Church of the Santo Spirito following its replacement with

the Annunciationby Girolamo del Pacchia. The work was finally placed

over the third altar on the right side of the church.

The Coronation of the Virgin

by Domenico Beccafumi

T R  P P S: S C H 317

Figure 1
Domenico Beccafumi, The Coronation of the
Virgin,1540. Oil on panel, 310 3 187 cm.
Church of the Santo Spirito, Siena. Front of
the panel before restoration.