Prayer

Portable prayer triptych by Bernardo Daddi, 1333

Museo del Bigallo, Florence, Italy

Oil on wood panel

Restored by the MMG Foundation 2022-2023

Inspiration

As we began 2022 we wanted to pause and consider our work to date. After years of the ‘big picture’ we felt it was time to reflect and contemplate on what we had completed to date and how best to continue. What we were doing right, and what more we could do to further the Foundation’s mission?

This pause to reflect on all of the comradery and shared experiences, watching young conservators careers blossom following their time as part of the emerging talent programme influenced our thought to develop a new project for a more reflective work. And so in 2022 following the completion at the end of 2021 of the Giambologna Carita statue, we issued a call for proposals that could be identified as ‘unique’ and introspective. We wanted to understand from the past how we might find clarity of thought and heart in an ever more invasive world of internet, social media and burgeoning algorithms that was rapidly pigeon-holing original thought into like-minded echo chambers.

How might an artwork from a more disconnected time develop our own clarity of thought and character? Thereby allowing individuals to rediscover communities of different backgrounds, beliefs and knowledge? To only connect. From a number of excellent proposals from the restorers of the Bastioni that were keen to explore this avenue, we selected a work of art proposed by the conservator Federica Corsini, a portable prayer triptych (three panel) from 1333 by Bernardo Daddi.

Motivation / Proposal

Federica was moved by the portable devotional altar not only for its unique composition and as a fine example of early Renaissance art by the master painter Bernardo Daddi, but also because it was an important artwork badly in need of conservation after centuries of poorly executed restoration attempts and general wear and tear.

Her proposal was further inspired by the theme of charity that Emanuela Peiretti was exploring at the time during the restoration of La Carita in SS Annunziatta, and continued to be inspired when learning of Luke Olbrich’s mother who had left a small legacy to the Foundation focusing on charity and faith that helped fund the project.

Summarising Federica’s motivation for proposing and being awarded the support from the Foundation to proceed in her proposal in 2021

“The restoration of Bernardo Daddi’s 14th-century triptych was chosen in memory of the mother of Luke Olbrich and mother in law of Mircea, Phyllis, whose life of courage, deep faith, and devotion to social justice inspired the Mircea Maria Gerard Foundation’s call for proposals. Guided by Phyllis’s legacy of compassion for the marginalized and a belief in the dignity of all people, the conservators sought a work that reflected those same values. The Museo del Bigallo—once a shelter for pilgrims and abandoned children—offered the ideal setting, given its historic role in caring for the vulnerable and its enduring spiritual significance in the heart of Florence.

The selected triptych, currently held in safekeeping while the museum undergoes restoration, holds both artistic and symbolic resonance. Not only does it depict scenes from the life of Saint Nicholas of Bari—protector of the poor and travelers—but it also likely belonged to the original Bigallo confraternity due to its subject matter and origin. These elements, alongside the painting’s fragile condition and historical importance, made it an especially compelling choice. The decision was reached through close collaboration between the Foundation, Montedomini (the museum’s guardian institution), and the supervising conservators.

The restoration will coincide with the reopening of the Museo del Bigallo, offering the public a renewed opportunity to engage with this unique piece of Florentine heritage. Displayed prominently in the museum’s redesigned galleries, the triptych’s return will not only enhance the cultural narrative of the city but also give visible form to the values of mercy, charity, and human connection that underpin both the artwork’s history and the mission of the Mircea Maria Gerard Foundation.”

Outcomes

The research and detailed analysis of an object in wood itself is a challenge given the fibrous and more delicate nature of the material – but one that is over 700 years old on a portable devotional panel proved a treasure trove for the conservators. For example, at some time well after the devotional artworks creation, two small decorative towers were added. The official from the Italian Ministry of Culture who was responsible for overseeing the restoration decided that they would need to be removed as they were not original. As Federica informed the members of the board of the MMG Foundation after having already nearly finished the restoration

“Today the official decided that we have to remove the non-original pinnacles and for this reason it will take more time to complete the restoration because this intervention entails others as a consequence… I’m sorry… but we are very curious about it!! It will also be useful for understanding the original structure of the work. A mechanism will then probably be studied to be able to replace the pinnacles at any time and bring the structure back to how it was before the restoration.”

Federica was given the time and support from the Foundation for additional work and research making the most of a rather 11th hour requirement of the project.

She and her team took the opportunity for further research and understand how an object of this nature changes over time with the tastes of the time and its owner as well as the many good and many more not very good restorations overtaken over the centuries. And ensured compliance with the meticulous Italian cultural ministry!

Today, the portable altar is back at the now restored small jewelbox of a museum run by Montedomini, Museo del Bigallo, just in front of the Duomo. It continues to be a place of reverence and reflection for hundreds of visitors every day. Thanks to the inspiration, persistence and hard work of the restorers.