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The return of Giuseppe Avanzi's monumental painting in San Cristoforo alla Certosa

After 80 years, the monumental painting ‘The Apparition of the Blessed Virgin and St. Peter to the Companions of St. Brunone’ by Giuseppe Avanzi (1645-1718), one of the masterpieces of late 17th century Ferrara painting, finally returns to its original location. This extraordinary work, which covers about 36 square metres and weighs about 200 kilos, is a precious example of the local artistic heritage, and its complex relocation process represents an important moment for the city of Ferrara.
The work, created in 1695, was removed from the church of San Cristoforo alla Certosa following reconstruction work begun after the bombing of 28 January 1944. After decades of waiting and a long restoration process, the canvas has finally been returned to the church.

Restoration and return to its former glory

The restoration process, entrusted to Laboratorio Nonfarmale, required great care and attention. Thanks to a project of the Municipality of Ferrara, supported by the Emilia-Romagna Region and under the supervision of the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape, the canvas has been restored with regional and municipal funds, and the Ministry of Culture is already at work to also restore ‘The Apparition of St. Brunone to Roger, Count of Sicily’, which will be returned to the opposite wall of the presbytery.