[MR] History Blog: 14th C. Madonna Restored

[Garth Groff and Sally Sanford]

Noble Friends,

Today the History Blog reports on the restoration of a 14th century Madonna
and Christ Child statue at Florence's Basilica of San Lorenzo.

The statue, known as the "Bentornata" ["Welcome Back"], was carved by
Giovanni di Francesco Fetti around 1382. Fetti is noted for his work in
marble. He carved Bentornata from the trunk of a pear tree.

The six-year restoration project involved removing layers of varnish, more
modern paint and filth, as well as filling cracks. The restored statue is
now back on display in the Basilica.

The illustrated story is at https://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/72404 .

The Basilica itself is a Renaissance masterpiece, and was the favored
burial place of the Medicis:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_San_Lorenzo,_Florence .

Yours Aye,

Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge  🦆
Continuing a crusade to keep the original Merry Rose relevant and in
business.