The restored Madonna with Child, attributed to the school of Donatello, was presented to the community of Malcesine. This plaster artwork, commissioned in the 15th century by the merchant Alessandro Miniscalchi and later kept by the Capitani del Lago, is one of thirty known copies worldwide.
The Madonna with Child, also known as the Madonna Verona, was created by Donatello during his stay in Padua (1443-1453). The relief was well-received and several models were made.
At the end of the 19th century, the Municipality of Malcesine acquired the artwork and displayed it in the atrium of the Town Hall. “The municipal administration has decided to restore the importance that this artwork deserves,” says Livio Concini, deputy mayor and councilor for culture. “For Malcesine, this is a historic day, and we are proud to be able to return to our fellow citizens such an important artwork that had never been valued as it deserved.”
The restoration project, involving the Municipality and the Superintendence of Fine Arts of Verona, along with Dr. Francesca Meneghetti and restorer Giuseppina Rossignoli, confirmed that this plaster sculpture is one of the copies made by the school of Donatello.
“Now that the artwork has been given new life,” comments the deputy mayor, “for the future, we would like to create a dedicated space that makes it even more accessible and enjoyable for citizens and tourists.”
The attribution to the school of Donatello was confirmed by the investigations. The restoration preserved the final painted layer, removing altered protective layers and unsuitable repaints, filling in small material losses with stucco, and applying localized color glazes.
“The Municipality is happy to present to its citizens the results of the restoration of the beloved Madonna with Child,” declares the mayor of Malcesine, Giuseppe Lombardi. “The thorough investigations have confirmed its belonging to the Donatello school. This is a historic day for Malcesine, bringing together all those who have carried out commendable research and restoration work. The sculpture can now be admired and revered by all.”
Italian Version
