The Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums is dedicated to Northwest Chapter the restoration, conservation and preservation of the works of art housed in the multiple historic Patrons of the Arts galleries of the smallest country in the world. The PAVM aims to make art accessible to all and is in the Vatican Museums committed to interpretation and education. Issue 3 • Spring/Summer 2015 About the Patrons Northwest Chapter Takes Its First Trip to Rome The Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Muse- ums is a unique group of people supporting April 2015 the preservation and perpetuation of the The goals were vast and unique collection of art contained simple: The NW in the Vatican Museums. Patrons would tour The Patrons provide the main source of parts of the Vatican revenue for the Vatican Museums’ art resto- Museums from an ration projects, which include Catholic and insider’s perspective sacred art from all traditions, as a method and learn more about to reach out to the thousands of visitors that the PAVM mission come each day. We also fund various artistic of restoration and and educational experiences for children preservation. They and the visually and hearing impaired, would stay in the marking the first of their kind in Italy. centro storico di Roma, the historical part of The Vatican Museums are the main genera- Rome, within easy tor of funds for the City State, as all papal walking distance to masses and audiences are free of admission the Pantheon, restau- and entrance into St. Peter’s Basilica is gra- rants, and shopping. tis. Most people are unaware that revenue They would see from the ticket sales are only able to cover works of art by the basic maintenance, insurance, security, and “controversial” artist staff, leaving little money for restoration or Caravaggio in the modernization. Borghese Gallery That’s where the Patrons have played a and local churches. valuable and unique role. Patrons have Check, check and check. raised the funds to restore some of the most famous artistic treasures, such as: The Pau- line Chapel, The Raphael Rooms, The Borgia Apartments, frescoes on the lateral walls of the Sistine Chapel, and the Hall of Maps. All Patrons are able to stroll through the Vatican Gardens, tour the Sistine Chapel privately, and tour the museum restoration laboratories buried deep within Vatican City. Our Patrons are divided into local chapters that host a variety of amazing and unri- valled events in the local area to encourage enthusiasm for the arts. Papal Audience in Piazza San Pietro. - Gabe Hanzeli & Gail James Photos For more information and Then there were the additional, less expected, pleasures. membership benefits go to: Rooftop breakfasts with a panoramic view of Rome and St. Rome Office Peter’s in the distance. Seeing the Pope from the VIP platform www.vatican-patrons.org rather than standing out in the square with thousands of Northwest Chapter others. A remarkable underground wine cellar at a charming www.nwpatrons.com restaurant near Castel Sant’ Angelo. The unveiling of the newly restored statue of Perseus. The silence and extreme beauty of the Borghese Gallery and Sistine Chapel when closed to the public. More photos inside January Patrons Event at Steve Jensen Studios It was a crazy day in Seattle. The Seahawks had won the playoff game to go to the Super Bowl and rain was flooding city streets and basements, but the Patrons were gathering together to drink wine and talk about art and an upcoming trip to Rome – nothing was going to prevent that from happening! We gathered at Steve Jensen’s home/workplace/warehouse on Capitol Hill to learn about Steve’s artistic inspirations and see his collection of local artists. Steve and his partner, Vincent Lipe, said that they “were honored to do something for the Vatican Muse- ums” and generoulsy donated 25% of art purchases made that day to our NW Patrons’ restoration projects.
SAVE THE DATE Lively and entertaining Liz Lev will join us for an evening of conver- sation. In April, she took the NW Chapter on a very private tour of the NW Patron’s Event Borghese Gallery and on a walking tour of the many Caravaggio paintings Guest Speaker in churches throughout Rome. Elizabeth Lev, Ph.D. Elizabeth Lev is an American-born art historian who lives and works in Rome. After finishing her studies at the University of Chicago in 1989, she moved to northern Italy to do her graduate work at the University of Sunday, August 23, 2015 Bologna. She became a denizen of Rome in 1997. Frye Art Museum Liz started giving tours in 1998 for a small cultural association and passed 704 Terry Ave, Seattle the licensing exam for guides in 2001. That same year she was hired to teach art history at Duquesne University’s Italian campus, and has remained a 5-7 p.m. member of the Rome faculty ever since. After a five-year stint teaching Invitation to follow Renaissance art at John Cabot University, she joined the teaching staff at the Pontifical University of the Angelicum in Rome, and more recently has s Liz Lev prepares a rapt audience to enter the Borghese Gallery begun teaching at Christendom College as well. Page 2 NW PAVM First Project Unveiled: Perseus NW PAVM Next Project: Hermes
Artist: Antonio Canova Artist: Unknown Date: 1801 Date: Hadrian period, Dimensions: 160w x 214h x 107d cm - 5.25w x 7.02h x 3.5d in I-II Century AD Materials: White Marble Dimensions: 195 cm - 6 ft 4 in Materials: White Marble t
Massimo, Hermes’ Restorer.
t t
Hermes being stabilized before the start of restora- tion. Old glue has significantly dam- aged the statue. The dates and locations of the origin and discovery of this Hermes statue are still not completely clear. Some documents state that the Hermes was found between 1540 and 1543 in the Vigna Pallini near Castel Sant’ Angelo not far from the Vatican in the original mausoleum of Hadrian. The theory of antiquarian Pirro Ligorio was that it was found during the pontificate of Paul III (1534-1549) at San Martino ai Monti in Rome. In 1543, the statue was purchased by Paul III to decorate a niche in the Courtyard of the Belvedere and around 1560 was heavily restored by Guglielmo Della Porta. For many years it was identified with the Antinous, the favorite Greek youth and member of the entourage of the Emperor Hadrian, but the al- leged was later recognized as Hermes. In this work, Hermes is represented in a rather thoughtful stance, mantel thrown over The official unveiling of his left shoulder and forearm folded, waiting to accompany the Antonio Canova’s newly deceased to the afterlife. This wonderful statue of Hermes is a restored Perseus Holding the Roman copy of the original from the school of Praxiteles (late Head of Medusa took place classical period, 4th cent. BC). on Thursday, May 1, 2015, from the 2014 Wishbook - http://www.vatican-patrons.org/hermes-3-541 in conjunction with the NW Projected Cost to Restore Projected Cost to Restore Chapter’s visit to the Vatican. Fr. Mark Haydu was pleased to Perseus (2012 Wishbook) Hermes (2014 Wishbook) share the microphone with Antonio Paolucci, Vatican Museums Director, Guy Devreux, Head of the Restoration Department, Projected Cost: € 69,200.00 Projected Cost: € 69,200.00 and Andrea Felice, Restorer of the Perseus statue. Deposit: € 22,800.00 Deposit: € 20,000.00 You can watch an overview by Romina Cometti of the restora- Project completed: 2015 Funds pledged to date: € 0 tion process implemented for Antonio Canova’s Perseus, go to: https://www.youtube.com/embed/XinGGFDqFyQ?autoplay=1&hd=1&r Final payment: € 35,000.00* Projected completion: TBA el=0&KeepThis=true&TB_iframe=true&height=600&width=940?autopla *The exchange rate worked in our favor. Final payment: TBA y=1&hd=1&rel=0
How Choosing a Project and Paying for it Works: • In preparation for each by the Chapter, a deposit is and better understands the • If the cost of the restora- new edition of the Wishbook, sent to the Patrons Office to complexity of each project, tion is greater than originally the Patrons Office works with be converted to Euros. A job that member will be moved budgeted, an accounting is the Director of each restora- account is opened. to make a larger donation if sent to the chapter. Perseus, tion department to select its • Meanwhile, the local able. for example, ran over budget highest priority projects to Chapter continues collecting • When a restoration is because of the important work propose to the Patron chap- US dollars in its 501 (c)(3) completed, an outstanding being done to stabilize its ped- ters. The “competition” for a accounts via donations from its balance invoice is sent to the estal. The Chapter is welcome new project selection begins members. Because everyone chapter for final payment. to pay the additional amount, at midnight on April 1, when is always welcome to become • If the cost of the restora- but is not required. The total the Wishbook is officially a member of the Patrons, the tion is less than originally cost tends to change slightly released, first online, and then cost of membership is kept low. budgeted, that difference is as the exchange rate fluctu- in print. However, it is hoped that once rolled into the deposit for the ates between the US Dollar • Once a project is chosen a member visits the Vatican chapter’s next project. and the Euro. Page 3 A Private Visit to the Sistine Chapel is the study and analysis of the artwork. Part of this was the recording of every stage of the restoration process. The first stage of restoration, the work upon Michelangelo’s lunettes, took place between June 1980 and October 1984. The focus of the work then transferred to the ceiling, which was completed in December 1989, and from there to the Last Judg-
ment. The restoration was unveiled by Pope John t Paul II on April 8, 1994. The final stage was the We had the place to ourselves! restoration of the wall frescoes, approved in 1994 t Romina Cometti tells the group about and unveiled on December 11, 1999. the history of the Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel was built by Pope Sixtus IV and completed in about 1481. The artwork inside is by a “Who’s Who” of Italian Renaissance painters, includ- ing Ghirlandaio, Perugino, and Botticelli. The Chapel was further enhanced under Pope Julius II by the painting of the ceiling by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512 and by the painting of the Last Judgment, commissioned by Pope Clement VII and completed in 1541, again by Michelangelo. The tapestries on the lowest tier, today best known from the Raphael cartoons (painted designs) of 1515–16, completed the ensemble. NW PAVM was privileged to visit the Chapel after hours and was even treated to a short musical performance by the Legion of Christ Seminarians. Today we take the bright colors for granted, but that wasn’t always possible. This most recent restoration, which took place in the eighties and nineties, had a pro- found effect on art lovers and historians, as colors and details that had not been seen for centuries were revealed. Some have claimed that as a result “Every book on Michelangelo will have to be rewritten.” Others, such as the historian James Beck of ArtWatch International, have been extremely critical of the restoration, saying that the restorers have not realized the true intentions of the artist. This is the subject of continuing debate. The preliminary experimentation for the modern restoration began in 1979. The restoration team took its guidelines from the rules for restoration of works of art, which govern the procedure and methods employed in restoration. An important part of modern restoration procedure, as established by these rules,
Page 4 Lunch at the Gregorian Profane Museum
A Major Patrons Project: Notes on the Gregorian Roman art in the world, known to scholars everywhere. However, less Profane Museum, Its Need of Light, and Its known to the public is that it is also a major modernist architectural project for the Holy See, requested and sustained by Paul VI in his quest Modern Architectural Significance for a proper site for the collection. The year was 1973 and Architect Lu- Posted on March 16, 2015 by the Vatican Patrons Office cio Passarelli and his studio won the competition for the building, which Some Patrons’ projects are easier to sponsor than others; “Bringing now includes the ethnological collections as well. Using natural light, Light to the Ancient World” has been on our list for the past couple of unusual apertures to the outside, stunning use of steel in the design of years and while we have some interest from major foundations to sustain the mountings as well as reinforced concrete made to look like cut stone, the high costs of new lighting, we are still working towards the official the entire complex is typical of its time; yet while typical, it was seen as pledge. the ultimate example as it won the CEA (Circle d’Etudes Architectura- Yet, even with its significance, how many of us have really looked les) Prize in 1975. at this department? Not many, because it is closed to the public. It represents one of the most phenomenal collections of classic Greek and To see vintage photos, go to: http://www.vatican-patrons.org/date/2015/03
More about Rome, from page 1 t Liz Lev exlains the history of the t Cardinal Bertello, President of Vatican Borghese Gallery to our group. The City, celebrated mass at San Stefano Gallery is closed on Mondays. Church in the Vatican. - Gabe Hanzeli Photo - Gail James Photo
s Welcome party on the rooftop of the s“Red” half of the group, visiting the Grand Hotel de la Minerve. Norm and Painting Restoration Laboratory Cheryl Smith, Lisa and John Brondello. - Gabe Hanzeli Photo - Gabe Hanzeli Photo t t Built by Pope Leo III around 800, San Farewell dinner in the Vatican Pellegrino is one of the oldest churches in Pinacoteca. Caravaggio’s The Desposition Vatican City. - Gail James Photo of Christ, in the back. - Gabe Hanzeli Photo
s Touring the Vatican Gardens on a s The Papal Gardens at Castel Gandolfo rainy day. - Gail James Photo - Gail James Photo Page 5 Frequently Asked Questions
How do I join NW PAVM? Planning a trip to Rome? Read this: Contact Membership Chair Jan Vallone http://www.museivaticani.va/3_EN/pages/ MV_Home.html [email protected]
How much does it cost per year? How is my money handled? $600 per adult (age 36 and older) Membership dues and other contributions $1200 for a family (2 adults, children under 18) are controlled by the local chapter, which $250 for junior membership (ages 19 - 35) selects restoration projects from the annual $250 per each member of the clergy. Vatican Wishbook. Projects are selected for the Wishbook by the curators of their respective Your tax-deductible donation supports s departments. American Ambassador to the Holy See, Ken Hackett, the Vatican Museums’ preservation joins us for cocktails before dinner - Gabe Hanzeli Photo efforts. Your membership supports restoration work, conservation projects, equipment for Do I need to be Catholic to join PAVM? No. Patrons come from all over the world, Gabe Hanzelli has posted his pictures on the restoration laboratories, and specialized representing various religious backgrounds Google Share. If you would like to upload restorers. and bringing different experiences to the some photos for the group to see, here is What are the benefits of belonging to PAVM? Patrons Chapters throughout North America what you do: Patrons receive many exclusive benefits in ad- and Europe. While the collections are stored 1. Download your photos to your comput- dition to the privilege of preserving one of the at the Vatican and, historically, the Church er and sign into your Google account. world’s greatest collections of art, now and for sponsored artists for many years, our mission 2. Select PHOTOS from the upper right- years to come. is to preserve and restore artwork, creating an hand options box. ongoing legacy of art to all future generations. Standard Member Privileges 3. Select UPLOAD PHOTOS and then As visiting Patrons in the Vatican, guests are re- browse to where your photos are located. Do I need to make arrangements in advance ceived in the Office of the Patrons of the Arts in of my Rome trip? 4. Choose your desired photos and begin the Apostolic Palace. They are provided with: Yes. The Patrons office wants to treat you like the upload. •No waiting in line for Museums entrance -- the VIP you are. To do that, they need to have 5. After the upload is complete, name early entrance before the Museums open time to schedule a tour guide, secure your your photo album. You can skip tagging reserved seats at an audience, etc. Please people’s names. •Complimentary tour of the Vatican Muse- download an official Patron Visit Request Form 6. When your photo album is ready, go ums with a private, selected, official Vatican from the website to get the process started. to the box of options in the upper right Museum tour guide http://www.vatican-patrons.org/get-involved/ area. •Complimentary entrance into the privilegesbenefits 7. Select SHARING OPTIONS and then Vatican Museums select SHARE VIA LINK to keep the album private. •Invitation to view areas of the Museums 8. Copy that link and save the setting. closed to the public 9. Paste that link into an email you send •Viewing of a restoration in progress at the to whomever you would like to share restoration laboratories alongside the restorer with. That is how they gain access to your photo album. •Tickets to a papal audience with special access seating His link is: https://plus.google.com/pho- •A visit to the International Director’s tos/104611924310648707392/albums/61438 office located in the Apostolic Palace 32396216479073?authkey=CLT5zoXDkof4Eg s So much wine, so little time. Albergo Lucia Pagnanelli, •Special access to St. Peter’s Basilica Castel Gondolfo - Gabe Hanzeli Photo •Entrance into the Vatican Gardens •30% discount at all Vatican Museum Gift Shops •Subscription to The Vatican Museums Report Your Northwest Chapter Board Members from the International Director at the Vatican •Subscription to PAVM eNewsletter Co-President Rick Altig [email protected] •Invitation to Vatican ceremonies for important restoration unveil- Co-President Tom James [email protected] ings that share in Oregon Director Jennifer Lamb [email protected] the legacy and Secretary Brian Allen [email protected] heritage of the Pamela Allen [email protected] art of the Vatican Museums Membership Chair Jan Vallone [email protected] •Membership Treasurer Ron Souza [email protected] in local Patrons Newsletter Chair Gail James [email protected] Chapter and Chapter Website Chair Gabe Hanzeli [email protected] invitations to local and international Member-at-large Angela Souza [email protected] events Interested in being a more active part of our Chapter? s Katie Hanzeli and our Swiss Guard Tour Guide Please step forward and let us know! Page 6