Florence, ongoing restoration of Verrocchio's Putto with Dolphin

Restoration work is underway on the Putto col del delfino, the bronze sculpture with the role of a fountain made around 1470-1475 by Andrea del Verrocchio (Florence, 1435 - Venice, 1488) commissioned by Lorenzo de’ Medici first for the villa in Careggi and now on display in Palazzo Vecchio, where it was moved in 1557 at the behest of Cosimo I de’ Medici. The restoration, which began last October, is being undertaken precisely on the occasion of a new exhibition dedicated to its creator entitled Verrocchio, Master of Leonardo that will open from March 9 to July 14 at Palazzo Strozzi, where it will be displayed once the work is completed.

The restoration is supported by the nonprofit Friends of Florence Foundation and was entrusted to Nicola Salvioli under the direction of Serena Pini, curator of the Palazzo Vecchio Museum, and under the high supervision of Jennifer Celani, official for the Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio for the Metropolitan City of Florence and the provinces of Pistoia and Prato.

The restoration is the first scientific-conservative intervention involving the Putto with Dolphin, which has a surface blurred by residual materials from previous maintenance work and signs of old and ancient restorations, some of which were carried out with aggressive techniques and substances. Underneath these, despite previous interventions, there were still residues of limestone, a memory of the water that has long flowed over the work’s surfaces.

The intervention consists first of all of a respectful and gentle cleaning with aqueous solutions, alternating with specific solvents, so as to bring back into view the original surface of the bronze statue. We then move on to an assessment of the actual state of preservation and the extent of damage caused over time by use and exposure and then direct the intervention toward resolving the pressing corrosion issues that alter the metal patina. Finally, treatments will be carried out, which will instead consist of a slight chromatic harmonization of the surfaces and the application of protective substances for the bronze.

The intervention, which will be visible to the public within the Palazzo Vecchio museum itinerary, will affect both the exterior and interior of the work. A rich campaign of non-invasive diagnostic investigations will provide an important collection of information. This will be documented by a photographic campaign and video recording of some operations by means of endoscopic shots, microscope images, 3D scans and related graphic mapping.

Pictured: Verrocchio, Putto col delfino (c. 1470-1475; bronze, 70.3 × 50.5 × 35 cm; Florence, Musei Civici Fiorentini - Museo di Palazzo Vecchio). Ph. Credit Musei Civici Fiorentini

Florence, ongoing restoration of Verrocchio's Putto with Dolphin

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