Two Filippino Lippi tondi return to the Pinacoteca of San Gimignano

Two Filippino Lippi tondi return to the Pinacoteca of San Gimignano

The Pinacoteca of San Gimignano has welcomed back two tondi by Filippino Lippi, representing the Angel Announcing and the Annunciata. Recently exhibited abroad as part of an international show, the paintings return enriched by diagnostic imaging and conservation actions that improve their study and public display.

Work carried out during the loan provided fresh insights into the artist’s working methods and helped secure the paintings for long-term exhibition.

Conservation and research highlights

• Diagnostic imaging: infrared reflectography revealed underdrawings and preparatory gestures previously invisible on the painted surface.
• Restoration and display: the hosting museum funded the restoration of a painting in the Civic Museums of San Gimignano and produced two bespoke display cases for the tondi.
• Impact: these interventions, supported financially by the lending partnership, enhance both preservation and scholarly access to the works.

Art historical notes

The tondi were commissioned in 1482 by local civic authorities for the Audience Hall of the Palazzo Comunale, now part of the Pinacoteca. Their carved frames, attributed to Antonio da Colle, date to the late 15th century. The international exhibition helped highlight Filippino Lippi’s development between his Florentine and Roman periods and raised widespread scholarly and public interest.

Visitor information

The two works are currently on view at the Pinacoteca of San Gimignano in newly installed display cases. For opening hours, ticketing and guided tours, visitors should check the museum’s official website or municipal information channels.

Why visit: this is an opportunity to see important Renaissance tondi up close and to learn about modern diagnostic techniques applied to art conservation.