In Monaco, the astonishing renaissance of frescoes discovered by chance
A discovery so surprising
. Christian Gauthier, responsible for the restoration of the Palace of Monaco, is inexhaustible. In 2013, the palace renovations reveal more than 600 m² of frescoes dating from the Italian Renaissance.
How could such treasures have been forgotten? In the 19the, painters have painted over the frescoes, without caring what they appear. Above all, there was no archive of works
notes Thomas Blanchy, assistant to the director of the palace archives.
This long corridor of the palace is decorated with frescoes depicting scenes from Greek mythology. © West-France
Restoring them from the logistical challenge – the palace is the residence of Prince Albert II and his family – and technical. We are experimenting with an eco-responsible approach, refusing the use of toxic products
, explains Christian Gauthier. So, to recreate a green pigment, a restorer had to scour a surrounding hill to find the type of rock used at the time.
Restoring a surface is also painstaking work, which is done with tiny tools. In one of the rooms closed to the public, four women are busy on a scaffolding. With sponges, scalpels or a laser, they update, sometimes under six or seven sofas, the original works.
A restorer scrapes off the layers of paint that cover the frescoes with a scalpel. © West-France
Exploring the history of these paintings is part of the investigation. In the archives, we found the mention of a painter who participated in it, Nicolosio Granello
, explains Thomas Blanchy. New research allows above all to rule out names, such as Michelangelo or Raphaël.
The paintings that adorn the ceilings of the palace are also an opportunity to delve into the fascinating history of the Grimaldi family. Part of this powerful Genoa dynasty annexed Monaco at the end of the 13th century.e. Seven centuries later, she still holds the reins of the Rock!
On the left, the coarser painting of the 19th century. On the right, the restored 16th century fresco is much brighter. © West-France
The frescoes that adorn the corridors and rooms bear witness to the palace’s transformation: from a military fortress, it became a place of residence, the splendor of which must rival that of its neighbors who eyed Monaco.