Around 1665 Baroque painter Antonio Zanchi created three striking pictures for the Sala Capitolare at the Scuola Grande dei Carmini, depicting miraculous interventions by the Virgin, patron saint of the confraternity.

The Scuola, which was founded in the 1590s, was closely affiliated to the adjacent Carmelite church and special devotion to the Virgin Mary; unusually, many of its members were women. The Scuola provided spiritual and economic help to its membership and to the wider community, and especially supported young women in the provision of bridal dowries. It earned Scuola Grande status in 1767.

Still in their original setting, the magnificent upper hall of the Scuola, Zanchi’s large canvas narratives represent an important contribution to the Venetian tradition of confraternity decorations. With a painterly style informed by Titian, Tintoretto and Pordenone, Zanchi’s canvasses employ bold figures, dynamic compositions, a vibrant palette and dramatic illumination. Zanchi’s compelling storytelling of the Virgin’s prompt interventions in cases of serious mishap and sickness would have appealed to the Scuola’s socially diverse membership.

Our aim is to clean and conserve Zanchi’s three paintings to ensure their stability, resilience, and legibility. The interventions include removal of accumulated harmful, obscuring deposits, as well as discoloured varnish and overpaint, to restore the pictures’ vibrancy and clarity. Integrations will be made as necessary, with numerous small losses and old damages concealed. Weakened canvas edges will be reinforced, and framing elements repaired.

Paintings conservator Maristella Volpin has concluded work on the first picture, The Miracle of the Boy who Fell into a Well, which was recently returned to the Scuola. Interventions continue with The Healing of the Prince of Sulmona, Injured in a Tournament and will conclude with The Healing of a Sick Man through the Intercession of the Virgin.

Venice in Peril has committed to raise €46,500 to fund the conservation of all three Zanchi paintings at the Scuola dei Carmini.