I was in Santa Croce a few weeks ago, and in the Refectory, where the Cimabue crucifix hangs, there was a new exhibit set up in the middle of the space. One of the paintings is Bronzino's "The Descent of Christ Into Limbo". This work was "lost" in the Santa Croce complex since the flood of 1966 or before - it was previously removed from the church itself when Vasari made alterations to the piazza end of the building. It was only "discovered" again in 2003 and had been in restoration since - and what a restoration it has been. The painting is on a giant panel made up of several pieces of wood (over 4 meters tall) and was badly damaged by the flood. It has been skillfully restored to such a brilliance that it looks brand new. If you visit Santa Croce make sure to visit this part of the complex and see this striking work by a mature Bronzino.
Is the deposition painting next to it a Bronzino too ? Do you have the story ?
Posted by: Anne-Marie | August 03, 2009 at 05:33 PM
I can check for you this week. I am not sure but I think the answer is yes. Also in the text above I have a mistake - this whole painting was not "lost" - just the predella was misplaced.
Posted by: Anthony | August 03, 2009 at 05:38 PM
Anne-Marie the deposition next to it is by Alessandro Allori. You can Google around on that - there is a lot of stuff but I didn't find anything too specific.
Posted by: Anthony | August 17, 2009 at 02:46 PM
Thank you. I found both restoration awesome.
Posted by: Anne-Marie | August 23, 2009 at 09:37 PM