Lorenzo Lotto's altarpiece, loaned for an exhibition, has returned damaged. The complaint of Italia Nostra Asolo

The Madonna of the Assumption with Saints Anthony and Ludovico of Toulouse, also known as the Asolo Altarpiece, an early work by Lorenzo Lotto (Venice, 1480 - Loreto, 1557) made at the time of his stay in the Treviso area, and now kept in the Asolo Cathedral (for which it was probably made), would have returned damaged from the international exhibition that saw the Venetian painter protagonist first in Madrid and then in London. This was denounced by Renata Giordani, president of the Asolo section of Italia Nostra, who wrote a very harsh letter to the Superintendency of Venice also listing the damage the painting would have suffered.

“The Lotto Altarpiece in Asolo,” the missive reads, “is damaged and certainly to be restored after its return from two important European exhibitions.” In particular, Giordani specifies, Italia Nostra has misgivings about the condition of the altarpiece following its return, which would be such as to require an inspection by a restorer. Giordani, in particular, would have noticed “opacity throughout the work, evident cracks in the panels, chromatic diversity with the predella.” The impressions, Giordani points out, would also be shared by some experts (it is not known which ones, however), the provost of Asolo (owner of the work), and the councillor for culture of the Veneto municipality, Gerardo Pessetto. Italia Nostra now awaits a response from the Ministry, and verifications from its experts.

Finally, Giordani is also against moving the works for exhibitions. “Moving these works from one part of the world to another,” he says, “is always risky. They can be ruined because they are so delicate. We must not think only about business, we must preserve these treasures for future generations. Whoever wants to see Lotto’s altarpiece, come to Asolo.”

Pictured: Lorenzo Lotto, Madonna Assunta with Saints Anthony and Louis of Toulouse (1506; oil on panel, 175 x 162 cm; Asolo, Cathedral)

Lorenzo Lotto's altarpiece, loaned for an exhibition, has returned damaged. The complaint of Italia Nostra Asolo

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