Following a successful art auction for L’Aquila at the Italian Cultural Institute in London in July, the organisers, Magdalena Rutkowska and Blandine Martin, both of the Minerva Art Project, a non-profit organisation for the restoration and repair of art, are to hold another auction at the Scuola del Vetro [Glass School] Abate Zanetti in Murano, Venice, on 27th November.
Funds raised in the auction will go towards the restoration of the Church of Santa Maria del Suffragio in L’Aquila. During the earthquake of 6th April this year the dome, built by Giuseppe Valadier in 1805, cracked open and was nearly entirely pulled down. Known locally as the Anime Sante [Blessed Souls] or Purgatorio Church, the building, situated on the main square, has a baroque façade which was not damaged. Nevertheless, the structural damage was such that the Italian Ministry of Cultural Assets and Activities has estimated that it will take 6.6 million euros and four years to restore the Church.
Ironically the Church was built following another earthquake in 1703. The Confraternity of Santa Maria del Suffragio needed a new place of worship as theirs had been destroyed and plans for the new Church went ahead with opposition from jealous officials of the Cathedral of San Massimo. The Roman architect Carlo Buratti drew up the plans and incorporated late baroque features into them. The west front was designed by Leomporri and the façade was completed in 1775. Following the 2009 earthquake the damaged Church was adopted by the French government.
The London art auction raised over £5,000 for the restoration of the Church. Works on sale included some from artists in L’Aquila and others from internationally renowned artists such as Jack Vettriano and Fredi Marcarini. Minerva Art Project co-ordinator Blandine Martin said,
“This is a wonderful cause, helping to restore confidence amongst a set of people who had their world literally swept from under their feet. In addition it helps look to the future and show that this remarkable area of Central Italy has something else beyond an earthquake associated with it, in this case a wealth of artistic talent, and that should be fostered to help grow the popularity of the region and its economy.“
Donations of art work for the Venice sale are still being accepted. To have your work considered, please register and upload your images at: http://gallery.eclusier.com/
The guest of honour at the Venice auction will be Don Daniele, the parish priest of Santa Maria del Suffragio.
After Venice, the organizers are hoping to hold auctions in Paris - with the support of Carla Bruni - and New York.
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