Umbrian panel paintings – Conservation and presentation

The Lindenau Museum in Altenburg owns 180 early Italian panel paintings, making it one of the most significant collections of such rare works in the world. The collection includes 27 Umbrian panels, including two by Pietro Perugino from the high altar SS. Annunziata Florenz, five predella panels by Luca Signorelli and – particularly valuable in terms of cultural history – eight wooden panel paintings from a panelled wall and ceiling. All 15 paintings were in poor condition, and several were in such dire need of conservation that they could no longer be exhibited.
On the basis of technical analysis, this KUR project preserved and conserved these paintings in collaboration with the Project Workshop at the Lindenau Museum Altenburg. Under the supervision of their professors or a tutor, young conservators-in-training worked together on seven panels. After analyzing them, they made a conservation concept for each one, which they then put into practice.
The analysis and conservation work helped the researchers learn more about where the panels belonged in relation to the original altar construction – a prerequisite for the presentation of the panels in future exhibitions. The conservation efforts were accompanied by educational museum events and scientific publications.

Project administrator:
Lindenau Museum, Altenburg

Cooperative partners:
Academy of Fine Arts, Dresden
Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design
Dr. Wiebke Fastenrath-Vinattieri, Florence
Dr. Bruno Santi, head curator for the provinces Florence, Prato and Pistoria
Dr. Brunella Theodori, responsible authority for the church SS. Annunziata
Dr. Claudio Casadio, museum director, Faenza