Genoa, raised by subscription funds to restore Giovanni Andrea De Ferrari's altarpiece

A fragment of Genoese history will soon come back to life. The fundraiser, launched a few days ago, for the restoration and enhancement of the altarpiece depicting St. Francis presenting the patron saints Ludwig IX King of France and Elizabeth Queen of Portugal, a 1625-1627 work by Baroque painter Giovanni Andrea De Ferrari (Genoa, 1598 - 1669) in the church of San Nicolosio in Genoa, has come to an end.

To complete the work, 18,000 euros plus 22 percent VAT were needed, and in just over two weeks with the help of Secolo XIX readers more than 15,978 euros were raised. The donations that occurred thanks to the generosity of those who believed in the project came through 130 wire transfers and numerous contributions left directly in the church box. The closing of the collection was also made possible thanks to the support of two key partners: that of the Genoese firm Sciutto, the main sponsor of the project, which was entrusted with the transportation of the work and chose to offer the service free of charge, and the Passadore 1888 Foundation, which has always been committed to the protection of Liguria’s artistic heritage. The latter, after guaranteeing to cover any remaining amount, paid the missing amount yesterday, thus enabling the completion of the collection.

Recovery of the work will kick off with its transfer to Nino Silvestri’s workshop in Carignano. Here special open days will be organized dedicated to supporters of the fundraiser who will be able to follow the restoration work closely.

What the project will consist of

The intervention will focus on removing the layers that have accumulated over time. This will allow the return of the original colors and the vitality of the painting. Once the restoration is complete, the altarpiece will subsequently be the protagonist of an exhibition accompanied by a scientific conference, an event that will become an opportunity to delve into the first decades of the Genoese seventeenth century, the historical and cultural context in which the work was created. The initiative also aims to rediscover the artist Giovanni Andrea De Ferrari, painter and master of Valerio Castello, one of the main exponents of the Genoese Baroque. Nevertheless, the restoration represents only the beginning of a broader journey.

The church of San Nicolosio, back in the spotlight thanks to the restoration of the work, will be the focal point for the discovery and appreciation of Genoa’s artistic heritage. In the months leading up to Christmas 2025, art enthusiasts will have numerous opportunities to delve into the city’s history and culture in order to rediscover places and works that tell of a past charged with art and meaning. As art historian Giacomo Montanari recalls, De Ferrari deserves to be rediscovered and enhanced. “Today it is right to talk a little more about him as well,” he premised, “the man who mentored a leading figure like Valerio Castello who was the true star of the Genoese Baroque despite his short life.” Despite the quality of his works, De Ferrari did not enjoy the same fame as his contemporaries. Many of his works remain little known, but to this day the artist undoubtedly represents an important chapter in Genoese painting.

Genoa, raised by subscription funds to restore Giovanni Andrea De Ferrari's altarpiece

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