Ferrari is delving into art conservation by lending its support for the restoration of the “Madonna Enthroned with the Child, St Francis and Four Angels” fresco in the Basilica of St. Francis. Also known as “Maestà di Assisi,” Italian medieval artist Cimabue painted the fresco around 1285-1290, which is in the northern transept of the Lower Church of the Basilica. The fresco portrays the Virgin enthroned and is one of the oldest portraits of St. Francis. The painting’s portrayal of St. Francis is believed to be based on the description of people who knew him personally.
“The fresco depicting the Madonna Enthroned with the Child, Angels and St Francis by Cimabue will finally be restored to its historic splendour thanks to the contribution of Ferrari, which has chosen to take care of this major work in international art history,” says the Custos of the Sacred Convent of Assisi, Friar Marco Moroni, OFMConv.”
A team of specialists from the art conservation firm Tecnireco will lead the restoration of “Maestà di Assisi”. The project will commence next January and is expected to take a year to complete.
“Ferrari is an ambassador for Italy around the world. Ours is an extraordinary country, famed for thousands of years of artistic heritage. The world of luxury that Ferrari inhabits has close ties with art and culture, so it felt natural for us to play our part in preserving an Italian masterpiece of universal value, which also teaches a lesson from St Francis’ humility,” says Benedetto Vigna, CEO of Ferrari. “I believe corporate social responsibility, thanks to partnerships between the public and private sector, can bring significant results.”
Source: www.classiccars.com