Angelic Tidings from Giorgio Vasari
MúzeumCafé 6.
What catching sight of a freshly excavated find means to an archeologist is what an art historian feels when first encountering a painting or sculpture unknown even from reproductions. Although it would have been possible to know about The Annunciation from various documents, to my shame I had not known about it. It was a festive surprise when at Christmas 2007 I first made the acquaintance of the work in the studio of restorer Zsuzsa Kovács. Because of the darkened layer of varnish covering the surface, it was difficult to ‘read’ the tondo, yet its essence spiritually radiated through the darkness of the material, making it clear I was in the presence of a significant creation of the Tuscan cinquecento. When Louis A. Waldman visited the restorer’s studio he had no doubt it was a work of Vasari. Professor Waldman is a member of staffat Villa I Tatti, Harvard University’s Center for Italian Renaissance Studies. My own doubts, however, are shared by the internationally famous researcher of Italian Renaissance painting, Miklós Boskovits. “Dear Vilmos,” he wrote to me. “The tondo, which is rather beautiful, reminds you of Vasari at first sight, even if there is some difficulty in reconciling Mary’s figure with Vasari’s style. I have consulted Alessandro Nesi, a first-rate cinquecento researcher, who shared my impression about the painting, but would like to think over the matter. When I learn anything new I will let you know.” So now I am waiting for Miklós Boskovits’s report.