| This Friday a famous painting by Leonardo Da Vinci was transferred
from Rome to Tokyo for the exhibition. The transfer was made on a
plane accompanied by the restorer and an architect and constitutes a
loan of the art masterpiece from Italy to Japan for the display in the
museum.
The decision to lend a painting has seen a big protest in Italy. Over
300 people including members of the Senate has signed a petition
against the transfer, as the painting is considered too precious to
take and risks of damage and leaving its home - the famous Uffizi
Gallery in Florence.
One of the senators even handcuffed himself to the gates of the
gallery as a sign of disagreement with the loan.
Despite a lot of negative opinions, Italian Minister of Culture has
approved the loan, saying that lending the painting is good for Italy
and for Japan. As a cradle of Renaissance, Italy has the access to
most famous and valuable art masterpieces, but it would not be right
thing to keep them just for Italy. The world wants to see and
appreciate what Italian painters have created through the history,
added the minister.
Special precautions were taken by the Tokyo officials to make sure the
painting is transferred and displayed in conditions which will not
harm it and keep it in its current condition. The art piece was
transferred on the plain covered with three protective layers and
special shock absorbing case. After it arrived in Tokyo, the restorers
have carefully examined it for any signs of damage and after
confirming the safe delivery it was installed in the glass protected
case on the wall, with a special climate controlled atmosphere.
The masterpiece is called "Annunciation" and was painted by Lenoardo
Da Vinci in his 20s. |
The transfer of Da Vinci painting from Italy to Japan for exhibition, gathered many protesters in Italy, saying that this national
treasure needs to stay home. What a coincidence. Italians feel the same way about George Bush.
