Behind the Scenes: Piero della Francesca's Nativity

Fascinating online conversation from the National Gallery discussing the recent restoration of Piero della Francesca’s “Nativity”.

Carlo Corsato from the gallery’s education department interviewed Jill Dunkerton from the conservation department who had been working on the project since early 2020. She took us though earlier restorations and the thinking behind the current one.

She explained how a mm of the panel had been lost after panels had been rejoined in the past which had distorted the face of an angel and their lute. This had been filled and the missing paint retouched which had rectified the angel’s squint. She also took us through how, in cleaning the stable, she discovered a patch of light on the wall which is coming through the hole in the roof which one shepherd points to.

Talking of the shepherds she also discussed how these were not unfinished as previous thought but just worn. The decision was taken to retouch their faces based on the underdrawing and pounce marks which were visible. Having since been to look at the painting I think one shepherds works well but the one to the right as you look at it does look a little strange. The restoration has been criticised in the press but I do feel most of it is successful and was worth it for the discoveries Dunkerton has made along the way.

Review of the restoration from the Guardian


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