Dossal with Crucifixion and Stories of Saints Blaise and Catherine of Alexandria
Artist: First Master of St. Clare in Montefalco
Date: 1333
Classification: Painting
Dimensions: 82 x 281 cm
Materials: Tempera, Gold, Silver
Adopted By: The Ohio Chapter
Description
HIGH PRIORITY PROJECT
The large ornamental dossal in tempera, gold, and silver consists of seven compartments. In the center is the Crucifixion with side stories of Saints Blaise and Catherine of Alexandria. The work is by the First Master of St. Clare in Montefalco, the head of an articulate workshop among the most active in the Spoleto area in the 14th century. The severe economic difficulties forced the nuns of the Monastery of St. Clare of the Cross in Montefalco to sell this marvelous panel in 1925. A careful study will allow us to deepen the history of this precious artifact and analyze iconographic details never investigated so far, translated into a frank and sanguine style that expresses the fervent devotion of the faithful to the Cross and the saints favored by the local tradition.
TOTAL COST: € 33.379,69 ($ 32,625.31)
Restoration Procedures
-
Clean the frame to bring out the precious silver decoration
-
Possible removal of the old present stucco work
-
Aesthetic adjustment of the remade portions of the frame
-
General inspection of the state of conservation and the revision of the painted surface
-
Color reintegration to restore aesthetic balance to the surface of the entire frame
-
Inspection and revision of the functionality of the metal cross beams placed on the back by the Wood Restoration Laboratory
Detail
Inventory N°: 40523
Artist: First Master of St. Clare in Montefalco
Date: 1333
Dimensions: 82 x 281 cm
Materials: Tempera, Gold, Silver
Wishbook year: 2023
Dossal with Crucifixion and Stories of Saints Blaise and Catherine of Alexandria - Final Restoration Report
The intervention on the frame of the Dossal allowed the recovery of the original decoration covered by plastering, repainting, and old consolidating treatments carried out in previous restorations that had severely compromised the original chromatic design and the refined silver decoration. The peculiarity of this restoration was the restoration of this silver design, made on a blue background, which varies between the molded elements of the upper part and the only original portion remaining in the lower part of the frame.
Dossal with Crucifixion and Stories of Saints Blaise and Catherine of Alexandria
Details
Adopted by: The Ohio Chapter
Patrons: Bill & Lorraine Dodero
Inventory: 40523
Artist: First Master of St. Clare in Montefalco
Date: 1333
Classification: Painting
Materials: Tempera, Gold, Silver
Dimensions: 82 x 281 cm
Museum: Pinacoteca
Department: Byzantine - Medieval Art
Laboratory: Painting & Wood
Wishbook year: 2023
Description
HIGH PRIORITY PROJECT
The large ornamental dossal in tempera, gold, and silver consists of seven compartments. In the center is the Crucifixion with side stories of Saints Blaise and Catherine of Alexandria. The work is by the First Master of St. Clare in Montefalco, the head of an articulate workshop among the most active in the Spoleto area in the 14th century. The severe economic difficulties forced the nuns of the Monastery of St. Clare of the Cross in Montefalco to sell this marvelous panel in 1925. A careful study will allow us to deepen the history of this precious artifact and analyze iconographic details never investigated so far, translated into a frank and sanguine style that expresses the fervent devotion of the faithful to the Cross and the saints favored by the local tradition.
TOTAL COST: € 33.379,69 ($ 32,625.31)
Restoration Procedures
-
Clean the frame to bring out the precious silver decoration
-
Possible removal of the old present stucco work
-
Aesthetic adjustment of the remade portions of the frame
-
General inspection of the state of conservation and the revision of the painted surface
-
Color reintegration to restore aesthetic balance to the surface of the entire frame
-
Inspection and revision of the functionality of the metal cross beams placed on the back by the Wood Restoration Laboratory
Media
Dossal with Crucifixion and Stories of Saints Blaise and Catherine of Alexandria
Restorations Update: Dossal with Crucifixion and Stories of Saints Blaise and Catherine of Alexandria - Final Restoration Report
The intervention on the frame of the Dossal allowed the recovery of the original decoration covered by plastering, repainting, and old consolidating treatments carried out in previous restorations that had severely compromised the original chromatic design and the refined silver decoration. The peculiarity of this restoration was the restoration of this silver design, made on a blue background, which varies between the molded elements of the upper part and the only original portion remaining in the lower part of the frame.
© 2026 Patrons of the Arts
in the Vatican Museums
Vatican Museums V-00120,
Vatican City State (Europe)
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