Polyptych by Piero della Francesca reassembled after 555 years thanks to DEEP Trace, IUSS spin-off: exhibition at Poldi Pezzoli in Milan
The Augustinian Polyptych, a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance created by Piero della Francesca, has been reunited after 555 years of dispersion, thanks to the fundamental contribution of DeepTrace Technologies, a spin-off of the Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS of Pavia, specialised in advanced technologies for the analysis and diagnosis of cultural heritage.
This extraordinary art-historical event is celebrated in the exhibition "Piero della Francesca e il Polittico Agostiniano Riunito" (Piero della Francesca and the Reunited Augustinian Polyptych) at the prestigious Poldi Pezzoli Museum in Milan.
The eight panels of the polyptych, previously scattered in various international collections, have been brought together for the first time in a single room, offering the public a unique opportunity to admire the work in its entirety. The central panel and a large part of the predella, which were unfortunately lost, have been reassembled by bringing together the four panels from the Frick Collection in New York, the National Gallery in London, the National in Washington and the Museo di Arte Antiga in Lisbon.
The exhibition, which runs until 24 June, features an installation curated by Italo Rota and Cra-Carlo Ratti Associati that enhances the beauty and historical-artistic significance of the works. The lighting, specially designed by Artemide, gives the exhibition an evocative and enveloping atmosphere, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the work of the great Renaissance master.
For the exhibition, diagnostic tests have been carried out on the panels, revealing some of the hidden secrets of Piero della Francesca's painting techniques. Thanks to the partnership with the Bracco Foundation and the support of researchers from the State University of Milan and DeepTrace Technologies, coordinated by Professor Isabella Castiglioni, interesting discoveries have been made that enrich our understanding of the artist's work.
DeepTrace Technologies played a key role in applying cutting-edge diagnostic technologies to analyse the panels, revealing hidden details and secrets of Piero della Francesca's works. Their dedication and expertise contributed significantly to the success of the exhibition and to a deeper understanding of the work of the great Renaissance master.
The director of the Poldi Pezzoli, Alessandra Quarto, described the reunion of the Augustinian Polyptych as "the artistic event of the century", highlighting the great commitment and collaboration between international museum institutions and experts in the field that made this extraordinary result possible.
A unique and unrepeatable exhibition that, for the first time in history, presents a masterpiece by Piero della Francesca: the Augustinian Polyptych, 555 years after its creation. An extraordinary cultural event that represents a milestone in the history of Italian and international art.