I WILL TRY TO FIX YOU

February 2025: The "Stendardo dei Disciplini" by Moretto (dating from 1522-1524) was on display at the Tosio Martinengo Museum in Brescia, and it suffered extensive damage when a visitor accidentally stumbled and fell into the painting. As it is a double-sided processional standard, the artwork was displayed without protective glass to allow visitors to view both sides. This mishap aroused the curiosity of some of our students, who started asking questions about the damage and the restoration of the painting.

This is why we explored the concept of developing a workshop centred on damage and restoration, which might engage the students in analysing the different factors causing the damage, or even loss, of precious works of art, and what the best approach to restoration is. 

Why is the preservation of artworks of the utmost importance? Art's value extends far beyond its monetary worth, encompassing cultural, historical, and emotional dimensions.

A beautiful piece of art is unique and should be treated with extreme caution and respect. 

When we see one of these symbols of the greatness of human creativity and imagination slashed, burned, demolished, or crumbled to the ground, it brings tears to our eyes. Artworks are precious friends who accompany our lives, they lift our hearts every time we see them, they gift their beauty to the world, and make it a better place. Art also serves as a visual record of history, preserving cultural heritage and narratives for future generations. Art challenges thinking critically, questions social norms, and engages in dialogue about complex issues. 

So when these masterpieces of art, sculpture, and architecture are destroyed, we most certainly notice them and feel horrified at the sight of the desecration of art.

Over five intensive days, students engaged in a webquest, wrote articles, toured the Santa Giulia storage room, conversed with an art expert, and concluded with a kintsugi workshop. 

What you find here is the result of the students' work. We hope you will enjoy their effort and find the site interesting.

We thank all the students, Mr Davide Sforzini (Fondazione Brescia Musei), Padre Claudio Grassi, our head teacher, and all the colleagues who supported us, including our trainee Sara Bianchetti.

We also want to thank all art restorers all over the world for their dedication, skill, and ability to breathe new life into masterpieces that might otherwise be lost to time. 

Roberta Longhi, Giordana Dossi, Grainne Connor

Classe: 2A Liceo Classico, Madonna della Neve, Adro, Bs