Milan - The renovation of the "Virgin with Child and St. Anne", one of the best-known paintings by Leonardo da Vinci from the Musée du Louvre, will be presented at the Auditorium of Palazzo Lombardia in Milan on May 9th, 2014 at 17.30.

Many speakers from renowned french and milanese institutions will introduce their reflections on the painting, which Leonardo left unfinished after a long pause between 1503 to 1519.

The masterpiece was recently renovated, raising some questions and contrasting opinions from art historians. The works, completed in 2012, were particularly related to the pictorial surface, reducing the layers of damaged paint. Thanks to it, the canvas has gone back to its original lapis lazuli blue, used in the clothing of the Virgin Mary, revealing details unknown until now. Leonardo's fingerprints emerged from its surface, suggesting that he used to apply the paint with his fingers.

The conference is the first one within the project of RRMusei - Restauratori e Restauri in Museo, promoted by the Associazione Secco Suardo. It will continue at Palazzo Reale on Friday, June 6th, with the seminar held by Larry Keith, conservator at the National Gallery of London. On this occasion Keith will talk about the renovation of another masterpiece by Leonardo, the "Virgin of the Rocks".

These dates are the beginning of RRMusei, that will go on next fall with an itinerary through six museums in Milan - Pinacoteca di Brera, Castello Sforzesco, Museo del Novecento, Galleria Arte Moderna, Museo Poldi Pezzoli, Museo Diocesano - where their painting will be examined and observed, with a specific interest on their renovation.