Reproducing Michelangelo's letter to the Pope
Michelangelo Buonarroti, two years before his death, wrote a letter-testament in which he appealed to the Pope to ensure that the new St. Peter's Basilica would be completed according to his architectural vision. The document, dated 1562, is one of many signed by the Florentine master in his role as architect of the Fabbrica di San Pietro. This prestigious role often led him to address the Pontiff directly — not only for matters of design, but also for more practical requests, such as receiving due compensation to continue the construction work or supporting employment opportunities for his protégés. The Fabbrica di San Pietro still preserves the original copy of this precious letter. To protect it from deterioration due to continuous exposure, Bottega Tifernate was commissioned to produce an identical reproduction. This faithful replica differs from the original only by the signature of Master Stefano Lazzari on the reverse side. The paper was handmade using a 15th-century frame with original filigrana, and the text was recreated using pictographic techniques, transcribed by hand with inks compatible with those used in the original manuscript.Go to services: Art Restitutions