Gioconda, the dilemma of restoration. Mattarella “Difficult decision”

To restore or not the most famous painting in the world? Sergio Mattarella and Emmanuel Macron visit the Louvre exhibition together “Naples to Paris” on the masterpieces of Capodimonte and allow themselves a souvenir photo in front of the Mona Lisa.

The wife of the French President, Brigitte, recalls that for decades the major art historians have been discussing the possibility of restoring Leonardo’s masterpiece, with many opinions in favor and just as many against: «The restoration – she adds – could bring out that the true background of the Gioconda is similar to that of another Leonardo work, Sant’Anna con la Vergine e il Bambino», which was recently cleaned up with cutting-edge technology under the coordination of Vincent Dieulevin.

“It is a difficult decision,” agreed Sergio Mattarella. “Only the President can make this decision,” admitted Commissioner Sebastien Allard, director of the Painting department of the Louvre, who acted as a guide during the visit.