Altar of the Fatherland: the restoration work

From the restoration site to the setting up of the exhibition "Angelo Zanelli and the Altar of the Fatherland”

The restoration work is coming to an end, and the dismantling of the scaffolding is underway

The restoration of the central sector of the Altar of the Fatherland, including the statue Goddess Rome, has also been completed

The restoration of the frieze carved by Angelo Zanelli at the Altar of the Fatherland is moving toward its final stages.

Restorers can now proceed with the grouting.

Restorers are completing cleaning operations on the central portion of the Altar of the Fatherland frieze.

In the next stage of cleaning, restorers work on the dark deposits, called carbonates.

Restorers have begun the cleaning phase of the monumental Goddess Rome.

Biological deposits cover the entire surface of the central portion of the frieze.

The restoration work site finally makes it possible to admire the majestic Goddess Rome.

Restorers closely analyze the stone surface of the central portion of the frieze, before proceeding with cleaning activities.

The scaffold, set up at the central area of the frieze, allows the restorers to closely analyze the stone surface of this new portion.

Our restorers will continue work on the Altar of the Fatherland during the month of August.

After eighteen weeks, restoration operations involving the side portions of the Altar of the Fatherland frieze have been completed.

The cleaning, the protagonist of these first four months of work, has finally given new life to the decorative details of the frieze.

The surfaces of the frieze carved by Angelo Zanelli show, in addition to the signs of workmanship, precious decorative details that re-emerge and become fully visible again.

After cleaning, the surfaces of the frieze distinctly show signs of the tools used to work the Botticino marble.

The frieze of the Altar of the Fatherland is composed of numerous blocks of botticino, a type of marble extracted from quarries located in the province of Brescia.

After thirteen weeks on site, cleaning operations on the side portions of the Altar of the Fatherland frieze have been completed.

Restorers are completing the cleaning work on the frieze's surface; they have removed the wrappings and scalpel-removed the stronger, darker deposits that have softened after treatment.

Restorers are in the process of removing all biological agents now necrotized.

A team of experts is verifying how to intervene on the water infiltration.

The VIVE director describes the figure and style of Angelo Zanelli, the Brescian sculptor who, at just 30 years old, won the 1908 competition.

Restoration work continues on the east side. Restorer Susanna Sarmati explains the sampling process that will be done on the frieze

The VIVE director tells about the 1908 competition for the decoration of the Altar of the Fatherland won by Angelo Zanelli.

Restorers are proceeding on the eastern side with the first phase of cleaning the frieze.

The first public visit to the restoration site was held on Sunday, April 23. The participants, divided into different shifts, climbed the scaffolding accompanied by restorer Susanna Sarmati, who told them about the restoration project and the first activities implemented.

Scaffolding has been completed on both sides, now the first restoration actions begin, which will be possible to follow thanks to the open construction site and the first special guided tour.

Surface condition analysis begins.

Scaffolding erection is on going.

Erection of the scaffolding on the worksite starts today, Tuesday 28 March. Present are the director of works Edith Gabrielli (director of VIVE - Vittoriano e Palazzo Venezia) and the restorer Susanna Sarmati.