A cycle of frescoes dating between the 16th and 17th centuries has emerged in the Library of Casa Leopardi

During consolidation and restoration work carried out in one of the rooms of Casa Leopardi in Recanati, a cycle of frescoes dating from the late 16th and early 17th centuries emerged in the Library. The works, which had been hidden for a long time under several layers of plaster, were brought to light thanks to a preliminary investigation activity.

Thus, a pictorial decoration of illusionistic character was discovered, characterized by scenes of rural life, allegorical representations, landscapes and the biblical depiction of the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Earthly Paradise. The recovery of this cycle was illustrated by Stefano Papetti, curator of the municipal collections of Ascoli Piceno, and restorer Federica Camilletti, who directed the conservation work.

“This discovery further enriches the historical and artistic heritage of Casa Leopardi and gives us back a precious testimony to the history of the building,” said Countess Olimpia Leopardi, a descendant of the famous poet. “It is exciting to think that even Giacomo may have observed these paintings before they were hidden by later transformations.”

“The conservation situation was very complex,” Federica Camilletti explained to ANSA. “Numerous pickings made over the centuries to facilitate the adhesion of later plasters had compromised the stability of the support. Swelling, lesions, holes and nailing were also present. The intervention required a gradual removal of the overlapping layers by means of scalpels, chisels and precision micro-cutters, accompanied by continuous consolidation operations.” “Subsequently,” Camilletti continued, “the surfaces were cleaned, the gaps were filled in, and the painting was integrated in a manner that respected the criteria of conservative restoration. During the recovery, an even older decorative level, datable to the early 16th century, also emerged, characterized by a painted damask motif. Our goal was to restore legibility to the work without altering its history; working on it was a privilege and a great emotion.”

A cycle of frescoes dating between the 16th and 17th centuries has emerged in the Library of Casa Leopardi

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