FLORENCE.- The monument to Michelangelo and the Buonarroti family altarpiece in the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence will soon be restored. In order to obtain the financing, after the successful result of “Crazy for Pazzi” crowdfunding campaign, the Opera di Santa Croce opened the new International fundraising campaign “In the Name of Michelangelo”, with the goal of raising €100.000 by October 30, 2017. The funds will be used for the cleaning and diagnostic investigation of the tomb and for the restoration of the altarpiece, which has been damaged by the 1966 flood and is now in an alarming state of conservation.

These two works have always been a destination for visitors from all over the world, who desire to give homage to the great master. They were made in the second half of the 16th century at the request of Lionardo Buonarroti, nephew and heir of Michelangelo, according to a project designed by Giorgio Vasari. In 1564 upon the death of the artist in Rome, Lionardo was able to steal his uncle’s body and bring it back to Florence thanks to the help of the Duke Cosimo I de’ Medici.

As in any restoration project, also in this case technologically advanced diagnostic investigations will allow the possibility for new interpretations of the works of art, thereby forming a base for deeper academic and archival studies related to Vasari’s iconographic program. The tomb of Michelangelo is an imposing monument composed of wall painting and three marble sculptures portraying the artist with personifications of the three disciplines in which he excelled: sculpture, architecture, and painting. The sculptures are represented as three muses that, in their collective mourning, remind viewers of such a great loss. Giorgio Vasari created a coherent project for both the tomb and the family altar, located next to each other in the nave of the Basilica. However, he died before ever seeing the final result: the works were finished by his collaborators in the years following his death. This area of the church marks the burial place of more than 60 members of the Buonarroti family.

Due to its close proximity to the more prestigious monument to Michelangelo, the Buonarroti family altarpiece is often overlooked by visitors. The painting however, constitutes a key element for a correct interpretation of the most important renovation project of the church, commissioned by Cosimo I from Vasari between 1566 and 1588. According to a recent study, the altarpiece (oil on panel, 1572) is hiding a portrait of Michelangelo underneath the centuries of dust and grime. This portrait can be interpreted as a tribute to the great master. Michelangelo is painted in such a way to look over, towards his tomb, thereby creating a visual bond that unites the two masterpieces in commemoration of the Buonarroti family.

The restoration operations are scheduled to begin in November, with the cleaning of the monumental sepulchre, which is predicted to conclude by March 2018, on the occasion of the anniversary of the birth of Michelangelo. Those who will contribute to this will be recorded in the Book of Donors of the Opera di Santa Croce, kept in the historic archive of the Basilica. They will also be mentioned publicly on the website of the Opera. Special acknowledgments are reserved to those donating at the Circle levels, identified by three different levels of donations (Vasari Circle $5000, Giotto Circle 10,000 or Michelangelo Circle $20,000). These acknowledgements range from an inscription on a plaque at the entrance to the Basilica, to participation in special events by invitation only, or exclusive tours in the monumental complex.