After a long and laborious restoration, Agnolo Gaddi fresco cycle The Legend of the True Cross is now once more visible in the Cappella Maggiore of the Santa Croce Basilica in Florence. Painted in the latter part of the 14th century, Gaddis work illustrates the Domenican Jacopo de Varagines Golden Legend, which recounts the alleged history of the wood used to make the cross of the crucifixion, from its birth as a tree planted over Adams grave till it was brought as a relic to Rome by Queen Helena, the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine.
The 14th century cycle covers a total surface of 850 sqm and was badly damaged by damp and infiltration from the roof and walls of the Chapel. Restoration work began in 2005 and was finished last autumn (2010). Financed largely by Japanese magnate, Tetsuya Kuroda, administrator of the University of Kanazawa, with additional funding from the Opera di Santa Croce fund, the job was undertaken by personnel of the Opificio delle Pietre Dure, Florence, which contributed the skilled workforce, involving 4 restorers, 2 historians, 2 chemists and a photographer.
For information: www.santacroce.firenze.it
