Dear Patrons and Friends,
After a yearlong delay, last week Raphael experts finally gathered in-person in the Raphael Hall of the Pinacoteca to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Raphael Sanzio’s death amd in memory of the well-known Sistine Chapel restorer Gianluigi Colalucci (B. 1929, D. 2021).
The conference took place over three days (September 27, 28, & 29), and it was an opportunity for architects, curators, restorers, scholars, and museum directors to share their well-developed research on the master from Urbino in a panel discussion.
Also, on September 24th, Cardinal Bertello, Dr. Barbara Jatta, Eike Schmidt, and Fr. Kevin Lixey L.C. inaugurated the conference. Cardinal Bertello’s words hold special significance since he will be retiring on October 1st. In his address, he mentioned the gravity and impact of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums.
“Likewise, my praise goes out to the many who, with their work, have made it possible for us to be gathered here today. I would like to express a special feeling of gratitude to our Patrons, the generous benefactors who, even during these complex months of the pandemic, have never failed to provide us with their concrete closeness and support, without which such important initiatives could not take place. I wish you all a fruitful work and I thank you.”
