Save De Ferrari: a fundraiser in Genoa to restore the hidden masterpiece


Genoa appeals for the restoration of an endangered masterpiece by Giovanni Andrea De Ferrari. Indeed, the sumptuous altarpiece in the church of San Nicolosio is in danger of ruin. Only 18,000 euros are needed to save it.

Genoa is mobilizing to save a little-known but very significant treasure of its artistic history. The painting by Giovanni Andrea De Ferrari (Genoa, 1598 - 1669) depicting Saint Francis presenting the patron saints Ludovic IX King of France and Elizabeth Queen of Portugal, a work from 1625-1627 kept in the church of San Nicolosio, is in fact in a serious state of disrepair. In order to save it from an inexorable decline that could further damage it, to the point of possibly making it disappear, a fundraiser has been launched through the pages of the Secolo XIX, thanks to the recommendation of art historian Giacomo Montanari, professor at the University of Genoa and scientific curator of the Rolli Days in Genoa.

The restoration of the canvas, which has cuts, color detachments and severe blackening of the surface, will require about 18,000 euros, plus 22 percent VAT. The goal is achievable, as Montanari points out. Also because the cost is not prohibitive.



A forgotten masterpiece in the heart of Genoa

The church of San Nicolosio, which houses the painting, is a place that tells centuries of Genoese history. Founded in the 14th century and remodeled first in the 16th and then in the 17th century, the church, which is located in the center of the Ligurian capital, just a few steps from Via Garibaldi (i.e., the most splendid street in the heart of Genoa, the most popular street with tourists), is almost invisible today, hidden under a 1930s apartment building. Yet inside it preserves fine works, including De Ferrari’s tall, narrow oil painting.

The artist, born in Genoa in 1598, was a pupil of Bernardo Strozzi and distinguished himself early on for the quality of his work, so much so that some of his early works were long attributed to the master. The painting of St. Nicolosius, made between 1625 and 1627, is an extraordinary example of his art: it tells a dialogue between the sacred and the human, where St. Francis presents two monarchs, namely Louis IX of France and Elizabeth of Portugal, who were later canonized.

Giovanni Andrea De Ferrari's work on the church altar. Photo: Fabio Bussalino
Giovanni Andrea De Ferrari’s work on the church altar. Photo: Fabio Bussalino

The history of the painting

The protagonists of the canvas are Saint Louis IX, King of France, and Saint Elizabeth, Queen of Portugal, two figures who embody the ideal of a spiritual power that transcends the earthly power that they both also held in life. Louis, the only canonized French king, is depicted in the act of laying down the symbols of royal power, such as the crown and scepter, to embrace the spiritual life. Elizabeth, on the other hand, appears as a Franciscan nun, holding a bundle of roses in her habit, a symbol of her charity.

The painting, moved to the church of San Nicolosio in 1804 after the demolition of the nearby church of San Francesco di Castelletto, is one of the last witnesses of an artistic and devotional past now at risk.

Urgently needed restoration

Currently, as mentioned, the canvas is in a precarious condition. The color is peeling off, the surface is blackened and no longer reveals the vivid chromatics typical of De Ferrari’s art. Experts at Nino Silvestri ’s restoration workshop in Carignano warn that time is running out: the painting can still be saved, but it cannot wait any longer.

The main problem is related to the ownership of the painting: since it belongs to the Franciscan Third Order, a private entity, neither the state nor the Archdiocese can intervene. This bureaucratic limbo risks condemning the work, but the appeal of the Secolo XIX aims to involve the entire Genoese community in a collective adoption of the masterpiece.

Detail of the painting. Photo: Fabio Bussalino
Detail of the painting. Photo: Fabio Bussalino

How to contribute to the fundraiser

Contributions for the restoration can be made to account number 968449 of the Franciscan Order of St. Nicolosius or through IBAN: IT11 R 03332 01400 000000968449 (Passadore & C Bank). The idea is simple: a small gesture by many can save a work that belongs to everyone.

“Around Giovanni Andrea De Ferrari,” said Giacomo Montanari, “important things are happening and that, I am honest, I did not expect. Thanks undoubtedly to the sensitivity of the Director and all the Curators, the Polo Museale Regionale della Liguria and in particular the Museum of Palazzo Reale, Genoa and the National Galleries of Palazzo Spinola have offered their support and relaunched the public subscription to save and return the painting of San Nicolosio to the community. The collection is progressing, but we are only halfway there! All it takes is a few more coffees, a few small commitments from a great many individuals, and this community action will be a reality, almost unheard of, which will be an important point to start again, on other goals, other projects, other models. More sustainable, more accessible, more shared. Better. For everyone.”

In addition to its artistic value, the restoration of the painting represents an opportunity to reflect on the role of culture and collective memory. Genoa can make this cause its own, demonstrating how art and spirituality can coexist and enrich the urban cultural fabric. In fact, fundraising is not only about restoring a work of art, but also about giving back to Genoa a part of its forgotten heritage. The De Ferrari canvas is not only an artistic masterpiece, but a bridge between past and present, capable of telling stories of faith, art and memory.

If the restoration is completed, the painting will be able to shine again in the church of San Nicolosio, becoming a symbol of a community’s ability to take care of its history. At a time when cultural heritage is in danger of being suffocated by indifference, the appeal of the 19th Century is an invitation to rediscover the value of art as a common good. One euro to save a work: a small gesture for a great result.

Save De Ferrari: a fundraiser in Genoa to restore the hidden masterpiece
Save De Ferrari: a fundraiser in Genoa to restore the hidden masterpiece


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