The 40th Anniversary of the Patrons of the Arts of the Vatican Museums is a milestone for the life of the organization and gives cause for celebration for the journey that members have shared together.  

In light of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Patrons, many from various chapters share their experience with EWTN Vatican 

Richard and Lisa Altig, Patrons from the Northwest Chapter (USA), approached the mission of the Patrons with little knowledge of art and museums. Richard shared, “We really didn't know anything about museums. We didn't know anything about art, but we were asked to be part of this. And, you know, when you get asked something, it's kind of hard to say no to the Vatican Museums.” Lisa finds the opportunity amazing to be able to support the Vatican Museums. 

Debra Mauro, from the Patrons Canada Chapter, explained, “People become patrons of our chapter for various reasons. Top reason, a chapter trip, and certainly this 40th anniversary has been an example of that. I have many new patrons and I encourage that. There's nothing like coming here to understand, to see firsthand the works of your incredible contribution.” 

The work of the Patrons not only contributes to the good of the Church, but also to the good of all. Dr. Johan van Parys, Patron of the Minnesota & North Dakota Chapter (USA), reflected on this point, saying, “The institution of the Church has existed for centuries, and for centuries we have collected art. And so it's this repository of art and artifacts that tells the story of our Catholic faith, but also the story of humanity.” 

Barbara Jatta, Director of the Vatican Museums, joined the Patrons in their 40th anniversary celebration for an evening reception at the Vatican Musuems. 

She expressed the purpose of the anniversary celebrations, and in particular, she said, “This evening, we really conceived it with Msgr. Hogan and the Patrons just to put you together with the curators, with the head of laboratories, with the assistants, and with all the major restorers that have been working these 40 years.” 

The key of the relationship between the Patrons and the many sectors of the Vatican Museums hinges on a shared common mission. Jatta continued, “The Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museum for the past 40 years have understood our special needs, our restoration of those masterpieces, for example one of each of these tapestries that are surrounding us in this hall is taking 10 restorers and five or six to seven years to complete it.” 

The tapestry of the Adoration of the Magi of the “Scuola Nuova,” by the pupils of Rafael, from the 16th century is one of those examples. Jatta explained, “It is under the care of laywomen and sisters of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, an order that was asked to do tapestry restorations by Pope Pius XI in 1926.” 

In the restoration, team members clip threads that have been creating problems and which strain the integrity of the whole piece.   

Some works have moved to the next stage of repairs. They began just six weeks ago and should finish operating on the project by the year 2030. Their work is not without uncertainty though, as the project has yet to receive funds.   

Jatta spoke to the Patrons about the short- and long-term plans, which she said, “testify to the different activities in which we are involved and in which you are all involved. Canova, which we just inaugurated...” 

The Antonio Canova exhibition, which opened this fall with a press event, is a project that received approval but needs renewed financial support.   

“This exhibition,” Jatta continued, “was possible thanks to the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museum, specifically the Northwest chapter. They understood immediately the importance of this project, not only for the figure of Canova as a sculptor, but for the figure of Canova for the museum itself.” 

Antonio Canova played a vital role in reclaiming lost art and developing new galleries for the Vatican Museums.  

The connection between Canova and the Patrons of the Arts is most vivid in the Braccia Nuova section of the Museums. 

“Braccia Nuova,” Jatta explained, “was conceived after the defeat of Napolean. Antonio Canova at that time was director of the Vatican Museums. He conceived this place to reestablish not only the authority of the pope after the Napoleon time, but also the primacy of the antique. Everything surrounding us speaks of the antique. We have 28 niches with great sculptures. And you can see the beauty because, of course, we restored the entire space. But each sculpture, even the one that seems to be in an incredible condition, they have centuries of life. And if you see them in deeper detail, each one needs to be cared for more carefully.” 

“And this is exactly what we are expecting to do in the near future,” Jatta assured. 

Next week on Vaticano, EWTN will continue with the third of five installments on the Patrons of the Arts of the Vatican Museums as we show you in closer detail the work carried out in the restoration laboratories.