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News of theme "Culture"
16 December 2022 News flash

Installation of Gonfalon des Pénitents Blancs in Chapel of Mercy

©Direction de la Communication / Michael Alesi

An iconic work representing the Principality’s historic and religious heritage, the Gonfalon des Pénitents Blancs (Gonfalon of the White Penitents) was recently permanently installed in the Chapel of Mercy. The state of preservation of this processional banner was such that a complete restoration was required, and was begun in 2019.

The work is over two metres high, painted in oil on both sides and made from crimson damask with gold edging. One side depicts a Pietà featuring St Nicolas and St Devota, while the other shows the birth of the Virgin surrounded by St Nicolas and St Devota.

The first written mention of the gonfalon dates back to 21 November 1640. It was presented at a religious event, having been created in Genoa by an unknown artist at the request of Ms Luisa Trivultia Cagliente, wife of Commander Cagliente, who led the Spanish garrison in Monaco until 1641.

The dual aspect of the work required a special mobile installation to be developed, enabling visitors to admire both sides of this remarkable painting.

The banner was restored as part of the restoration policy pursued by the Monaco Department of Cultural Affairs through the mission of the Heritage Institute.

The work was carried out by La Réserve, which put together a team especially for this job. The team comprised Thierry Martel, who restored the canvas, Florence Feuardent’s restoration studio, which worked on the paint layer, and Gilles Tournillon’s studio, which developed the frame.

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https://en.gouv.mc/Policy-Practice/Culture/News/Installation-au-sein-de-la-Chapelle-de-la-Misericorde-du-Gonfalon-des-Penitents-Blancs