Vatican Museums, Pinturicchio's Hall of "Liberal" Arts restored

On September 21st, the Vatican Museums will commemorate the restoration of Sala delle Arti Liberali in the Borgia Apartment during their Il Giovedì dei Musei event.

This room, named after the "arts" or subjects that were taught during medieval scholasticism, was once used by Alexander VI Borgia as his study. Bernardino di Betto, otherwise known as Pinturicchio, was the master behind the wall decorations created between 1492 and 1494 that have been recently recovered. Months have passed since the restoration of this complex piece was completed. Allegorically depicted as comely women on thrones, these entities celebrate knowledge and its various specializations.

The sole signature of the artist present in the entire pictorial cycle is inscribed on Rhetorica, which happens to be a prominent figure amongst them and is known as "Pentorichio.

Part of an extensive conservation undertaking for the paintings of the Borgia Apartment, the restoration of the Hall was made possible by the benevolent Patrons of the Arts from the Vatican Museums' Canadian Chapter.

The entire project, which commenced in 2002 with the Room of the Mysteries, was headed by Francesca Persegati from the Painting and Wooden Materials Laboratory, and overseen by Site Director Marco Pratelli. The work was carried out with scientific rigor under the watchful eye of the Department for the Art of the 15th-16th Centuries, which was once under the purview of the late Guido Cornini, but now guided by Curator Fabrizio Biferali.

The lecture will delve into the historical events that led to changes in the usage of the Apartment rooms, affecting the typically conservative state of the entire space.

Additionally, the focus will be on Pinturicchio's unique decorating techniques implemented in the intricate designs. Starting at 4 p.m., the Director of the Vatican Museums, Barbara Jatta, will introduce the lecture, followed by notable speakers such as Fabrizio Biferali, Curator of the 15th-16th Century Art Department, Marco Pratelli, Master Restorer, Ulderico Santamaria, Head of the Cabinet of Scientific Research Applied to the Cultural Heritage, Fabio Morresi, Diagnostic Assistant, and Francesca Persegati, Head of the Laboratory of Restoration of Paintings and Wooden Materials.