“Beyond the Portrait” | The Visible Restoration of the Lady

The Poldi Pezzoli Museum of Milan along with its scientific partner, the Bracco Foundation, is sponsoring a unique “live” event: the restoration of Piero del Pollaiolo’s Portrait of a Young Woman, one of the museum’s most beloved masterpieces. This is a rare opportunity for members of the public to get an up-close look at the different stages of the restoration of one of the most iconic paintings in the museum, where the work is being carried out in one of the exhibition rooms.

From 14 October 2024 to 31 January 2025, the restoration work will be carried out for the first time ever in the presence of the public, during which the restorers will illustrate the various phases of their complex and fascinating work.

Visitors will be able to follow the conservation work in real time, and can thus appreciate the attention and care required to preserve a masterpiece of such importance.

The restoration was preceded by a very thorough but non-invasive scientific analysis of the painting that began last June. The work of analysis is supported by the Bracco Foundation, which has been involved in this field for years. To study the materials used for the pigments and wooden support of the painting, the restoration experts have made use of diagnostic imaging techniques, including ultraviolet, infrared and x-ray radiation.

Centro Diagnostico Italiano (CDI) performed a preliminary CAT scan of Piero del Pollaiolo’s work. Computerized axial tomography allowed the CDI scientists to examine elements to a level of exceptionally high detail that, among other things, discloses traces of woodworm and incisions in the wood. The project thus generated new data in the form of digital images, which serve as important guides for the restorers seeking to optimize the state of preservation of the painting.

The analyses were carried out by a team of scientists from the University of Milan and a spin-off undertaking, IUSS-Pavia DeepTrace Technologies, in collaboration with Centro Conservazione e Restauro La Venaria Reale [ La Venaria Conservation and Restoration Centre] under the coordination of Prof. Isabella Castiglioni.

Taking place in parallel with the conservation and restoration work are a series of knowledge-building events such as meetings with scholars, guided tours, weekend workshops for families, and customized tours for young people or vulnerable visitors.

>> Find out more on the Museum website