Major cleaning begins of Michelangelo's Last Judgement

A significant undertaking is underway at the Sistine Chapel: a deep cleaning of Michelangelo’s masterpiece, “The Last Judgement.” The Vatican announced the start of the project, which comes three decades after the artwork’s last restoration.

Restoring a Renaissance Icon

Scaffolding is currently being erected in front of the 180-square-metre fresco. Painted between 1536 and 1541, “The Last Judgement” depicts God’s final judgement of humanity. The project is expected to take approximately three months to complete.

A Gradual Process

While experts have been engaged in cleaning and conserving portions of the chapel during nighttime hours for years, the Vatican has determined that “The Last Judgement” requires more intensive work. Chief restorer Paolo Violini noted that the fresco is covered by “a widespread whiteish haze.”

Did You Know? The Sistine Chapel, located inside the Apostolic Palace, is also the central location for the conclave, where Catholic cardinals gather to elect a new pope.

This haze, according to Violini, is the result of “the deposition of microparticles of foreign substances carried by air movements.” Over time, these particles have diminished the contrasts between light and dark and have made the original colors appear more uniform.

The Goal of the Restoration

The Vatican statement explains that the clean-up process is intended to remove these deposits. This will allow for the recovery of the chromatic and luminous qualities originally intended by Michelangelo, and will fully restore the work’s “formal and expressive complexity.”

Expert Insight: The careful restoration of such a significant artwork highlights the ongoing commitment to preserving cultural heritage for future generations. The meticulous process, addressing even microscopic deposits, demonstrates the dedication to revealing the artist’s original vision.

Importantly, the 15th-century chapel will remain open to the public throughout the duration of the restoration work. This allows visitors to continue experiencing this iconic space while the preservation efforts are underway.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was “The Last Judgement” painted?

“The Last Judgement” was painted between 1536 and 1541.

What is causing the haze on the fresco?

The haze is caused by microparticles of foreign substances carried by air movements, according to Chief restorer Paolo Violini.

Will the Sistine Chapel be closed during the restoration?

No, the 15th-century chapel will remain open throughout the restoration works.

How might this restoration impact our understanding and appreciation of Michelangelo’s work in the years to come?

Major cleaning begins of Michelangelo’s Last Judgement