The collection of portraits depicting members of the Ricchieri family who lived between the 11th and 17th centuries has finally been reunited in its entirety at the Art Museum – Palazzo Ricchieri, following a partial absence that had lasted for around ten years.
Today, thanks to a meticulous restoration project, the entire series has been returned to its rightful place on the museum’s central staircase, allowing visitors to enjoy the panoramic view it deserves.
Alberto Parigi, Councillor for Culture: “We are investing significantly in the revitalisation of our museums through a rich and varied cultural programme. The range of exhibitions on offer extends from those organised directly by the local authority to those put on by youth organisations, right through to exhibitions dedicated to rediscovering local artists. At the same time, we have developed a programme of educational and outreach activities aimed at all age groups. And an important aspect concerns restoration work: what for years remained a behind-the-scenes endeavour is now on display for visitors to see, who can finally admire the picture gallery in its entirety, following a long and painstaking restoration process.”
The portraits, the work of anonymous artists who were active in the Friuli region during the 17th century, depict one of the area’s most illustrious families. These paintings became part of the museum’s collection in accordance with the last count’s will, Lucio Ricchieri, who died in 1949; together with the palace itself, he wished to bequeath to the city a heritage of inestimable historical and artistic value.
The delicate restoration work was entrusted to Cécile Van Den Heede and Renato Portolan of Centro Restauro, a Pordenone-based company specialising in the conservation of historical and artistic heritage, which works in close collaboration with the Superintendence, public bodies and private clients.
The project, authorised by the Superintendency, forms part of a wider programme of conservation restoration aimed at restoring some of the most significant pieces in the collections of Pordenone’s civic museums to their former glory.
A long-term project that not only restores dignity to these works, but also reaffirms the city’s commitment to preserving and promoting its historical and artistic heritage.