The Search for Violante: Restoration Episode 5

Restoration continues... three artworks attributed to Violante Siriès Cerroti in the Prior's Chapel at the Certosa di Firenze monastery face the next step of the conservation process. "A solution of Gel Funori purified algae was then brushed onto the reverse of the canvases, in order to strengthen and consolidate the fibres," explains co-conservator Elizabeth Wicks. "Once dry, two coats of acrylic consolidant resin in White Spirit were applied by brush to the reverse to assure penetration throughout the layers. The paintings were then placed under controlled heat and low pressure with the use of a portable vacuum pump and a conservation Mat, a flexible silicon pad with temperature sensors. A tacking iron was also used to minimize distortions in the canvas."

The restoration and awareness-raising project featured in this video, known as ‘Accademia Women: Violante’, was organised by the Accademia delle Arti del Disegno (AADFI) and Syracuse University in Florence, and sponsored by the Advancing Women Artist Legacy Fund. The project involved the restoration of three paintings attributed to eighteenth-century artist Violante Siriès Cerroti at the monastery of San Lorenzo al Monte in Galluzzo (Certosa di Firenze) and included a grant for research and video documentation. Click the image above to watch.