Conservation and Art History at Palazzo Zuccari
In May 2026, the prestigious Bibliotheca Hertziana hosted the lecture “From the Painting to the Inpainting: Some Approaches to the Treatment of Lacunae in Venetian Painting” in the remarkable setting of Palazzo Zuccari in Rome.
The event brought together researchers, conservators, students, and art historians for an in-depth discussion on the restoration of Venetian paintings and the evolving role of scientific imaging in art conservation. Among the attendees, Gabriele Vaccaro, founder of the Association of Eurasian Patrons and Artists, had the privilege of attending the event and following the lecture dedicated to conservation practices and restoration methodologies.
Giulio Bono and Cleo Nisse on Venetian Painting Restoration
The lecture featured Venice-based conservator Giulio Bono and art historian Cleo Nisse, Assistant Professor at the University of Groningen. Their presentation explored how conservators approach lacunae and reintegration in historic Venetian paintings while balancing technical intervention with the unique identity of each artwork.
Rather than presenting fixed restoration formulas, the speakers focused on real conservation cases. They examined how the physical condition of a painting, its historical context, and its material characteristics influence restoration decisions.
The lecture also addressed the relationship between technological innovation and restoration practices. Advances in imaging and documentation technologies are transforming the way retouching and conservation treatments are perceived within the field of cultural heritage preservation.
Scientific Research and the Preservation of Art
Among the most remarkable aspects of the event were the technical expertise of the speakers and the scientific progress currently shaping the conservation field.
Particular attention was dedicated to the impact of environmental conditions on the deterioration of artworks, especially in Venice, where humidity and the specific characteristics of the air continue to affect the preservation of historic paintings.
The lecture represented an important educational opportunity for researchers, students, and art specialists interested in understanding both the technical methods and the critical reasoning behind restoration interventions. These elements remain essential for evaluating and interpreting ancient artworks within their historical and material dimensions.
International Expertise in Art Conservation
Giulio Bono has worked independently as an art conservator since 1991 for institutions and foundations in Italy and abroad. His restoration of Titian’s Presentation of the Virgin received the Italian Heritage Award, while his treatment of Titian’s Assunta earned the prestigious Premio Marino Grimani.
Cleo Nisse holds a PhD in art history from Columbia University and a postgraduate degree in painting conservation from the Courtauld Institute. She recently published Venetian Canvas and the Transformation of Painting with Princeton University Press in 2026.
Research, Restoration, and Cultural Heritage
The lecture at the Bibliotheca Hertziana confirmed the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue between conservation science, art history, and technological research. Hosted within the extraordinary architectural setting of Palazzo Zuccari, the event highlighted how restoration today requires scientific precision, historical awareness, and sensitivity toward the material life of the artwork.
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