In 2015, Italy, with the help of France and the World Monuments Fund, was able to restore one of the most acclaimed frescoes from the Renaissance. This was completed in the Palazzo Farnese, in a room called the Carracci Gallery.
The Palazzo Farnese is located in Rome, Italy. The Palazzo was commissioned by Alessandro Farnese, who later became Pope Paul III. When Alessandro become Pope, the Palazzo was expanded even more to the designs of Antonio da Sangallo the younger.
Image from wiki
The Farnese were a prominent Italian Renaissance family. Many of the family members had the title of Duke, and some of the family members were even involved in scandals.
Titian, Pope Paul III with Grandsons – Image from wiki
The Carracci Gallery is consumed with frescoes based on Roman gods. It’s main theme throughout is love among the gods. This gallery was completed by Annibale Carracci, a late Renaissance and Baroque Italian painter.
Here is a video that shows some of frescoes before the restoration:
Here are some of the frescoes in the Carracci Gallery after the restoration (from wmf.org):
From the video before the restoration and the pictures after it, you can really see the difference. It’s amazing to see how much a work of art can change with some touch-ups. The prominent blue color of the frescoes is much easier to see than it was before the restoration. This is often the cause with restorations. I personally feel as though blue and red are the most prominent colors to pop after a restoration process.
In addition to this, the Palazzo Farnese isn’t even the GRANDEST palace the family owned. There are at least four other palazzi or villas that they owned. Along with the Palazzo Farnese, Alessandro Farnese also commissioned the building of the Villa Farnese/Caprarola. Additionally, both Palazzo del Giardino and Palazzo della Pilotta were commissioned by Ottavio Farnese. Lastly, the Ducal Palace of Colorno was built by Francesco Farnese in the 18th century.
Feature Image depicts Loves of the Gods from wmf.org