Once an experimental technique, now laser cleaning is the norm.

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Vatican Patrons

by Mary Angela Schroth-

The process of cleaning artwork requires the most selective and non-destructive tools so that minimum impact is made on the pictorial layers during cleaning. Laser technology is one of the techniques utilized by modern restoration laboratories because it is a high-tech solution that can be used with traditional cleaning techniques. Laser technology can be used to clean many different materials: stones, stucco, wall paintings, metal and wood. It guarantees the precise cleaning of objects without any damage to the substrate. Recent laser cleanings have taken place in the restoration of the Santa Rosa Necropolis in order to remove layers of alteration, thus preserving the original pictorial layers. A parallel situation is going on now at the Chapel of S. Lorenzo in the Scala Santa (see photo), where laser technology has been instrumental in various removals of overpainting, one of the difficulties of the project.

The instrument can operate on extremely degraded substrates without pre-consolidation, allowing the restorer to work with high precision and control because of the pointing system. It’s small size makes this machine perfect for use in laboratories and inside the Museums themselves and for outside projects such as the Scala Santa. This laser is extremely easy to use, allowing the restorer to choose the operating mode directly from the display screen.

The laser’s reliability and precision makes it an essential tool in correctly preserving the timeless treasures within the Vatican Museums, especially because it allows restorers to clean those pieces that cannot be manually cleaned. After attempts with different types of lasers (thanks to the Patrons, the Museums have purchased 2 machines in the last decade), researchers have developed an absolutely innovative laser device. Eos Syntesis is the first laser system set up for laser cleaning that allows restorers to tune the pulse duration by nanoseconds to hundredths of a nanosecond to microseconds. This laser allows for two different pulses to merge in the same laser beam, creating a brand new and innovative process in restorative cleaning. The EPS Synthesis machine is part of the 2015 Wishbook so we are strongly urging its purchase by any individual Patron or Chapter. This will eliminate the high cost of renting the machine (current practice at the Museums), and will thus increase productivity for the various conservation projects as well as represent a long-term investment.

Beyond the Candelabras

Posted on January 12, 2026 by Vatican Patrons

The Gallery of the Candelabras takes its names from a pair of massive marble candelabra that help divide the hall, which was arranged by Pope Pius VI in the 18th century. It is within this gallery some of the most important decoration in the Museums can be found. The paintings on the wall were completed by Domenico Torti and Ludwig Seitz. This highly trafficked hall of the Museum is currently undergoing a very important restoration that will highlight these paintings and return them to their original splendor.

Through speaking with head restorer, Francesca Persegati, we learned that the restorers are very interested in this project because it’s a chance to study and work on 20^th century mural painting. The other fact that makes this project unique, is that the paintings aren’t frescoes, but instead Torti and Seitz used tempera colors. In addition, the restoration team has not only cleaned the walls, but they also had to evaluate the damage of the roof and the work that must be done to fix it and prevent future damage.

The restoration of the Gallery of the Candelabras is not only a grand project, but it marks an occasion for scholars and restorers to study different techniques of modern art. Our thanks go to not only to Persegati and her restoration team, but also to Connie Frankino of the Ohio Chapter for making this restoration possible!

Gallery of the Candelabras Presentation from Vatican Patrons of the Arts on Vimeo.

The Restoration of ‘Jesus in Front of Pontius Pilate’

Posted on January 2, 2026 by Vatican Patrons

The Passion of Christ is one of the most depicted narratives in the history of art. It was, and is, such an important part of the Catholic faith, it is no wonder that artists painted it repeatedly. One such painting, Jesus in Front of Pontius Pilate, has recently been restored in the painting labs of the Vatican Museums thanks to Gary Tigges of the Texas Chapter!

In this particular painting, Jesus is portrayed standing before Pilate, awaiting to be sentenced to death due to accusations of blasphemy. While Jesus is recognizable by his halo, Pilate can be seen in the shadows on the left. His uncomfortable position was likely intentional as according to scriptures he did not want to be part of Jesus’s wrongful death. Pilate sits in anxiety, but Jesus stands tall and calm, accepting the fate that his Father had bestowed upon him. The unknown Nordic Master who completed this work in the mid-16^th century, took both inspiration from his homeland, as well as from the Italian Renaissance.

This painting had been restored multiple times in the past, dating as far back as 1923. These former restorations had layered varnish and glues on the painting thereby diminishing some details. The highest priority for the restorers in this instance was to lighten the paint back to its original color after decades of buildup had darkened the palate. After the restoration of the varnish, the restorers strengthened the canvas and filled the lacunae in the framing. These precautions will make it so the restoration will last longer and remain stable for many years to come!

Jesus in Front of Pontius Pilate before the restoration.

Jesus in Front of Pontius Pilate after the restoration.

Inside the Museums: Photographic Exhibition in Progress

Posted on December 23, 2025 by Vatican Patrons

When you enter a museum it is only natural to have your attention completely drawn to the works of art of the collection, but have you ever actually thought about the experience of visiting a museum and the institution as art in themselves? This is exactly the subject that has inspired a photography project that is underway in the Vatican Museums. In this project nine photographers from all different nationalities and backgrounds will tackle one theme of the Vatican Museum experience. Our New York and California Chapters, particularly through the Carlson Donation and the Farrell family, have wanted to see this dream become a reality! Thank you for your Patronage!

The project has been coming along nicely and five of the photographers have already completed their works. French artist, Alain Fleicher, has produced a collection of works that have created a new reading of the ‘paths’ of museums. Martin Parr, who is from England wanted to focus on the relationship between the art and the visitor, concentrating on the gestures and behaviors of the latter. The last three artists who have completed their work are Italian and focus on themes of the Museum itself. Mimmo Jodice, in his contribution, focuses on the themes of human emotions, but instead of looking at the visitors, he has chosen to highlight feelings through the faces of classical sculptures. Antonio Biasiucci, has perhaps the most particular contribution to the exhibition because he focuses on the works of art in storage, highlighting the passage of time and memory. Finally, Massimo Siragusa has captured the internal architecture of the Vatican Museums’ halls, with amazing results.

Through these five artists’ work and the work that has yet to be done, this exhibition will form the beginning of the Vatican Museum’s photography collection and hopes to generate a further appreciation for the Museum experience and for the institution itself. The work will be formed into exhibition that will begin in the Vatican and then hopes to continue on in other major museums in Europe and the US. If you are interested in this exhibition and would like to contribute to its success by donating, please contact us.

California Patrons Fund the Mass Spectrometer

Posted on November 25, 2025 by Vatican Patrons

When works of art are brought to the labs, there is not only the opportunity to restore them, but it is also possible to discover more about their history and construction. One piece of equipment that is especially helpful in this regard is the Mass Spectrometer. This technology allows for researchers to discover the origins of the art, including where the marble was quarried for statues and if multiple paintings were completed by the same workshop. As of this past week, the Vatican Museums is now in possession of their own Mass Spectrometer, thanks to the generosity of the California Chapter.

The Scientific Research Laboratory is already using the instrument, so that they can answer questions about some of the most important works in the Vatican’s collection. The Mass Spectrometer is so precise, it can actually identify all the elements of the periodic table! How this works is that each chemical element has a trace on it that the machine can identify, similar to the way we use fingerprints. This technology will not only help with quarried marble, as mentioned above, but also elements such as gold and iron, making it very beneficial to the Metal and Ceramics Lab. Even more importantly, the restorers will now have a better idea of the time period in which objects were created. This will help when assessing whether or not a fragment is authentic, or something was an addition in a later period.

Here in the Museums and in the Labs we are grateful to the California Chapter for their generous sponsorship of the Mass Spectrometer. This scientific machine will only help the restoration teams with their work, but it will also be beneficial in the discovery of historical details. We hope you are all as excited as we are about the work this machine can enable!

https://www.vatican-patrons.org/?attachment_id=2593#main

Focus on the Augustus of Prima Porta

Posted on November 11, 2025 by Vatican Patrons

On the occasion of two-thousandth anniversary of the death of the first emperor of Rome, the marble masterpiece Augustus of Prima Porta returns to the Vatican Museums following its great public success in exhibitions in Rome and Paris.

Found in the villa of Livia in Prima Porta, the statue is a portrait of Augustus as a handsome and young ruler, wearing a decorated cuirass and a tunic, with the figure of Cupid riding a dolphin on his side.

Look closely, though, and you’ll notice something curious: the Emperor has no boots. Art historians debate the significance of this, however, appearing barefoot was an attribute of divinity in art of the ancient world. Though likely based on a bronze statue created during Augustus’ reign, according to many scholars, the Prima Porta must be posthumous, since the Roman Senate deified Augustus a month after his death two thousand years ago in AD 14.

In other words, the Prima Porta Augustus, (named after the villa where it was found, which once belonged to his widow, the Empress Livia), is not simply a portrait of Rome’s first emperor - it is also a vision of a god.

You can admire the statue at the Vatican Museum at the entrance of the Gregorian Profane Museum. Special thanks to the Florida Chapter of patrons who helped us restore this iconic statue as one of their first projects.

If you want to be involved as a patron in your local chapter and participate in important projects like the one that restored the Augustus, contact your local chapter leader.

The Augustus of Prima Porta is based on the Doryphorus, a famous antique statue by Polykleitos portraying the ideal human proportions of an Athenian athlete.

Tiberius made a significant addition to his marble copy: on the chest plate, he added scenes depicting the Roman victory over the Parthians.

Augustus wanted to portray himself as a perfect leader with flawless features, personifying the power and authority of the emperor.

The Sistine Chapel Twenty Years Later: New Breath, New Light

Posted on October 30, 2025 by Vatican Patrons

A two day conference marking the 20^thanniversary of the restoration of Michelangelo’s frescos in the Sistine Chapel opened on Thursday October 30th in Rome.

With the new lights and proposed new air conditioning system, the Sistine Chapel is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Now 450 years after the death of Michelangelo and 20 after the conclusion of the famous restoration in 1994, the Vatican Museums honor this double anniversary with a symposium.

The long-awaited event, will consist of two days of intense work and studies of the health of Michelangelo’s frescoes and their future conservation. Registration for the conference is closed - but surely we will learn a great deal from the symposium to share with our Patrons.

The conference began at 10 AM when his Eminence Cardinal Bertello greeted all participants. This was followed by a talk led by Vatican Museums Director Antonio Paolucci.

Friend of the Patrons, Dr. Arnold Nesselrath, Managing Director for the Science Departments and the Laboratories of the Vatican Museums will also present on “The Reason to Restore” and “How do we Illuminate Michelangelo?: The Philosophy of the Project.”

We’re excited about the coming together of all these innovative minds in the world of restoration as well as the focus on the Sistine Chapel. More images and insights to come… Check out this link to the Vatican Museums website for more information.

Conference on Sistine Chapel Lighting

Texas Chapter Visits Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Vatican Gardens

Posted on October 29, 2025 by Vatican Patrons

On the Northwest border of Vatican City lies a proposed section for the Gardens restoration project. Like the the Grotto of Lourdes section, this area is located atop Vatican Hill and is a spectacular vantage point for catching a panoramic view of Rome. It is for this lovely place that the Texas chapter of Patrons has generously donated so that the section of Gardens can be well preserved. This past week, when they were in town, members of the Texas Chapter visited the site to see first-hand the impact that their contributions are having on the serene and spiritual place.

One of the most special pieces in this section is a statue that gives the area its namesake - donated by Mexico to Pope Pius XII in 1939, depicting moment that the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe was miraculously revealed in Mexico City in the year 1531. In the statue, native Juan Diego stands in surprise as he gazes upon his Tilma (or peasant cloak) upon which the sacred image of the Virgin appeared. The Franciscan Bishop, Juan de Zumaraga also kneels in surprise before her, a witness to the miracle of the beautiful, sacred image.

The Vatican grounds represent one of the finest gardens in the world. Formed on hallowed ground and cultivated with faith and hope, the growth here is sacred and symbolic of greater spiritual meaning. Many popes have prayed surrounded by this shrine of greenery. Pope John XXIII often reflected in the gardens as he prepared to lead the church through the Second Vatican Council. John Paul II often invited young people to pray the rosary with him at the Lourdes shrine atop the Vatican Gardens. Pope Benedict XVI was also known to pray his rosary here.

STATE OF PRESERVATION:

Although many of the degradation problems of the works were similar, there were different levels of deterioration due to specific factors of corrosion relating to placement (major or minor exposure to sunlight and rainfall), constituent materials, and the presence of previous restorations and/or the reassembly of fragments or parts of the works. Today, thanks to the Texas Chapter these problems are being overcome by restorers. As they were able to witness on their visit - we’ve been able to preserve and restore this majestic statue and the glorious landscape that surrounds it.

The Texas Chapter was able to contribute so much to this effort, but there is still a great need when it comes to our gardens. It’s so important to maintain this holy place and meditative space so that it continues to inspire visitors and holy contemplation. If you are considering donating to one of our projects please think about adopting part of the garden. It is a truly worthy project.

See this link for more information on how to be a part of this effort:

https://www.crowdrise.com/ourladyofguadalupe

Our Texas Chapter VIisiting the Gardens

The Vatican Gardens: Restoring the Apollo

Posted on October 16, 2025 by Vatican Patrons

You never know where helpful hints will come from in the world of restoration. When Mr. and Mrs. Hazelwood of Tennessee dropped by to check out the work that’s being performed on the Apollo section of the Vatican Gardens they’ve adopted in honor the memory of their daughter and niece, they were able to talk to the restorers about the new techniques they are using to keep the statuary clear of moss and other biological material that affects the stone masterpieces. The restoration of this section is part of a pilot project that will flower into a strategy of conservation for all the statuary in the gardens.

As one aspect of this, restorers just began testing a new restoration technique adopted from the invention of a farmer in Iowa. And it was a Patron that suggested it! The homeopathic agent, an American product known as “Moss Buster”, is cleaner and less abrasive than the biocides that restorers used in the past to clean the outdoor statues. Also it is more effective - with the cleaning lasting much longer than ever before. Previously, even with modern chemicals, staining moss would return in just a couple months. The Moss Buster kills what is on the surface and restorers then perform a further removal with a gel product that is spread over the surface. When the gel hardens, they peel it off leaving a clean statuary underneath. Director of the Vatican Museums Restoration Laboratory for Stone, Guy Devreux, calls Moss Buster “a huge help in the atmosphere in the gardens.” After the peel, restorers have begun applying essential oil of oregano, a final protective measure that keeps the statue clean and prevents it from yellowing. A chemical peel and essential oil rub-down? Sounds like a nice day at the spa.

Thanks to our patrons, an Iowa farmer, and Moss Buster, our statues are restored to their natural beauty and can be more easily maintained. The Hazelwoods were so glad to hear that their patronage went toward this important innovation in outdoor restoration and so are we! It means that supporting the gardens is even easier and donations go further. Adopting a section of the gardens is a particularly rewarding experience as it connects the natural and man made worlds with the history and spirituality of the Vatican. It is rewarding to see the continual growth and beauty in that counterbalance. Something truly delightful to share with all our visitors.

This Wednesday, Director of the Vatican Museums, Antonio Paolucci visited the gardens to oversee the progress and talk to restorers and curators. He was amazed at the results of the restoration and was happily surprised to hear that the Patrons were critical in revealing a new technique. The collaboration of the Patrons in restoration always uncovers surprises!

If you would like to adopt part of the Vatican Gardens see our WISHBOOK 2015 Projects online, here: https://www.vatican-patrons.org/restorations/restoration-needs

Our Patrons from Tennessee, the Hazelwoods, with restorers in front of their adopted “Apollo” Section.

Detail of Restoration Work

Guy Devreaux the Director of the Vatican Museums Restoration Lab for Stone Artifacts and Father Mark Haydu with our IL Patrons during their Chapter Visit

Restorer with the Apollo Statue

Director of the Vatican Museums, Antonio Paolucci, Visiting the Project

Ohio Chapter’s Restoration of the First Popemobile

Posted on October 8, 2025 by Vatican Patrons

Traditionally, when a pope wanted to travel, he was carried in the sedia gestaoria: a chair carried on the shoulders of a number of papal attendants. Transportation at the time was such that the Pope rarely could leave the hallowed halls of Vatican City. However, in the mechanized age, Papal transportation began to be more modernized. in 1930, during the priestly jubilee of Pius XI (1922-1939) a special automobile arrived. Pius XI’s actually received a few cars, but possibly the most remarkable was a Graham Paige limousine given to him by the Graham brothers from America (members of the Knights of Columbus - he also had a prestigious Citroën “Lictoria” made in Milan, and a Nurburg style Mercedes Benz).

The limousine was presented in the Vatican on November 9, 1929. Carriage-work was made by the famous American coachbuilder, LeBaron and the sumtuous upholstery was in silk of Havana brown and silver, with the metal accents in gold. Recently, due to the efforts of the Ohio Chapter, the car was restored and now resides in the Vatican Carriage Museum. It remains one of the most fascinating exhibits there.

Today, when we picture the Popemobile, it’s the Mercedes with the bulletproof glass. Since an assassination attempt on then-Pope John Paul II in 1981, the head of the Roman Catholic Church has customarily used the custom-made glass-sided Popemobile when in public. But Pope Francis told a Spanish newspaper that he prefers not to use a bulletproof Popemobile despite the dangers of an assassination attempt because it walls him off from people.

Link to Pope Francis’s Popemobile interview

“It’s true that anything could happen, but let’s face it, at my age I don’t have much to lose,” he told Barcelona newspaper La Vanguardia in an interview published Friday and reported on in English by Vatican Radio. “I know that something could happen to me, but it’s in the hands of God.”

Never been to the Carriage Museum? That’s because it’s been a bit difficult to find inside the Vatican - and that’s a shame, because it houses some wonderful pieces. Help us bring more traffic to the Carriage Pavilion - with your help we can create a new modern entrance that attracts visitors and befits the grandeur of the exhibits - be a Popemobile patron! https://www.vatican-patrons.org/new-entrance-of-the-carriages-museum-2205

See the classic car (and much more) at the Carriage Museum. It’s not to be missed.

Dr. Sandro Barbagallo, Assistant Director of the Vatican Museums, with the Graham Paige Limo.

Proposed plans for the new Carriages Museum Entrance in our 2015 WISHBOOK.

Illinois Patrons during their Chapter Visit in the Carriage Museum with Vatican Museums Director Antonio Paolucci

The Patrons of the Arts

in the Vatican Museums

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