Technical-scientific investigations to detect the temporal vicissitudes of the funeral monument of Innocent VIII (Giovanbattista Cibo, 1484-1492), compared with that of Sixtus IV (Francesco della Rovere 1471-1484), both made by Antonio del Pollaiolo

Nat Prod Res. 2019 Apr;33(7):926-936. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2018.1451996. Epub 2018 Apr 3.

Abstract

The restoration of the funeral monument of Innocent VIII (Giovan-Battista Cibo, 1484-1492) was executed by Sante Guido with the support of the Knights of Columbus. The praiseworthy intervention aimed at restoring the monument from polluting aerodynamic agents has at the same time enabled a careful study of the work regarding, above all, the authenticity of the current coloring in relation to the original presentation intended by Antonio del Pollaiolo. In particular, an attempt has been made to uncover the historical vicissitudes of the work: from its realization to the present restoration. In this regard, I would like to recall that, as reported by Pasquale Rotondi, the restoration of a work is a very special moment in which it is possible to carry out all the studies aimed at understanding the causes which have determined its state of conservation, as well as, of course, its constituent elements and its implementing methods.

Keywords: Pollaiolo; Restoration; colors; cultural heritage; pigments.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Art / history*
  • Color / standards*
  • Environmental Pollutants / isolation & purification
  • Funeral Rites / history*
  • History, 15th Century
  • Humans
  • Specimen Handling / standards

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants

Personal name as subject

  • Antonio del Pollaiolo
  • None Sixtus IV
  • None Innocent VIII