La Cappella degli Scrovegni in Padova, storia, restauro, conservazione

Summary

The Cappella degli Scrovegni in Padua, commissioned by Enrico degli Scrovegni in the early 14th century, is renowned for its Giotto frescoes. Over centuries, the chapel faced significant damage, leading to multiple restoration efforts. These included structural interventions, environmental protection measures, and the careful restoration of frescoes, ensuring the preservation of its artistic heritage. Today, ongoing monitoring and scientific methods ensure the continued protection of this masterpiece, which remains a key symbol of Padua’s cultural legacy and a prime example of integrated conservation efforts.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Scrovegni Chapel, located in the Roman Arena area of Padua, was commissioned by Enrico degli Scrovegni in the early 1300s.
• 😀 Giotto painted the Chapel's frescoes between 1303 and 1305, making it a renowned work of art.
• 😀 The property went through several changes in ownership, including being acquired by the Foscari Gradenigo family in the 1500s.
• 😀 The Chapel underwent major renovations in the 18th century, with a new frescoed facade added.
• 😀 The Palace associated with the Chapel deteriorated over time, leading to its demolition in 1827.
• 😀 The Chapel suffered significant damage in 1817 when a portico collapsed, further jeopardizing its frescoes and structural integrity.
• 😀 Efforts to preserve the Chapel began in the mid-1800s, with restoration work starting in 1869 to address moisture damage to the frescoes.
• 😀 Various restoration initiatives took place over the years, including the replacement of wooden structures with metal elements to stabilize the building.
• 😀 The Chapel was impacted by both World Wars, with protective measures implemented to safeguard it from bombings and other damages.
• 😀 Modern restoration work continued through the late 20th and early 21st centuries, including the latest research and conservation methods applied to preserve the artwork and structure.
• 😀 The Scrovegni Chapel is now regarded as a crucial piece of cultural heritage, showcasing Padua’s importance in 14th-century fresco art.

Q & A

Who was responsible for the initial construction of the Cappella degli Scrovegni?

Enrico degli Scrovegni purchased the land in the 1300s and commissioned the construction of both his palace and the attached chapel, which was later frescoed by Giotto between 1303 and 1305.

What changes occurred to the chapel after it passed to the Foscari Gradenigo family in the 1500s?

The Foscari Gradenigo family oversaw a phase of radical renovation, including the affresco of the chapel's facade in the 1700s, as evidenced by a photograph from 1865.

How did the state of the chapel deteriorate over time?

The palace, once connected to the chapel, underwent gradual decay and abandonment, leading to its demolition starting in 1827. The chapel itself suffered from structural issues, including a collapsed portico in 1817 and significant damage to the frescoes from external water infiltrations.

What was the first public intervention to preserve the chapel?

In 1827, the authorities mandated a conservation intervention to prevent further damage to the chapel, recognizing its high historical and artistic value to the community.

What were some of the early restoration efforts made on the frescoes?

Early restoration efforts began in the late 1800s, including the work of Guglielmo Botti, who addressed damage caused by water infiltrations and detached several portions of painted plaster to preserve the frescoes.

How did the city of Padua acquire the Arena complex?

In 1880, the Municipality of Padua purchased the Arena complex, including the Cappella degli Scrovegni, for just under 55,000 lire to ensure the chapel's integrity.

What measures were taken to protect the chapel during the wars?

During both World Wars, protective measures were put in place, including removable shielding to safeguard the chapel from bomb damage and the construction of walls to support the crypt's vault against potential explosions.

What was the significance of the studies conducted in the 1980s?

The studies conducted in the 1980s, including microclimatic monitoring and chemical analysis, helped to identify the major causes of degradation, particularly pollution and humidity, which were affecting the frescoes and the building's materials.

What was the outcome of the restoration efforts between 2001 and 2002?

The restoration between 2001 and 2002 focused on consolidating the frescoes, repairing the painted surfaces, and restoring the sculptures and other artworks, ensuring their long-term preservation.

What are the current efforts in preserving the Cappella degli Scrovegni?

The ongoing preservation efforts include annual monitoring of the frescoes' condition, as well as continued maintenance and preservation activities based on scientific studies, ensuring the chapel's stability and safeguarding it from environmental and anthropogenic damage.