Vatican Launches Five-Year Project to Restore Raphael's Frescoes

The Vatican is embarking on an ambitious five-year restoration project to revive the splendor of Raphael's frescoes in the Apostolic Palace. Considered among the pinnacle of Renaissance art, these intricate works, created by Raphael and his students for Pope Leo X between 1517 and 1519, have suffered significant deterioration over centuries.

Barbara Jatta, director of the Vatican Museums, announced the plan to restore the gallery's pictorial ensemble. The Loggia of Raphael, measuring 65 meters long and 4 meters wide with thirteen sections each featuring four biblical scenes, is located in the private quarters of the Holy See and is not accessible to the public. The artwork showcases a variety of techniques, including delicate layers on Roman stucco for grotesque figures and tempera or lime finishes for garlands and azurite backgrounds.

The delicate state of the frescoes is largely attributed to a microclimate alteration in the early 19th century. A glazing project supervised by Antonio Canova sealed the loggia's eastern arches, hindering ventilation and causing moisture buildup from the upper floor. While partial restorations have occurred, this comprehensive project follows a pilot study conducted between 2019 and 2024 on the sixth section.

Restoration chief Paolo Violini emphasized the need for a dry-cleaning method to protect the fragile original layers from chemical treatments. The team of over 20 Vatican Museum restorers will employ advanced laser technology, specifically an active fiber model, chosen for its versatility and precise control over the cleaning process. This meticulous approach aims to safeguard the delicate artistry for future generations.