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The Venice in Peril Fund with Dr. Susan Steer

The Venice in Peril Fund with Dr. Susan Steer


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

The Venice in Peril Fund was established over half a century ago by British ambassador Sir Ashley Clarke, following disastrous floods in 1966. It was the first international organization established to raise awareness and funds for the conservation of Venice's monuments and artworks. Since then, the non-profit organization has funded over 75 interventions throughout the city, including restorations of entire churches, such as the Madonna dell'Orto and San Niccolò dei Mendicoli, and monuments, such as the Porta della Carta at the Doge's palace. The Venice in Peril Fund has also aided with works at the Palladian wing of the Gallerie dell'Accademia, through the restoration of individual paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, ceramics and other historic objects found in Venice's museums, churches and archives.  Furthermore, the organization supports the training of new generations of conservators, as well as occasional projects that involve the participation of student conservators, under close supervision of their teachers. 

In this seminar, we will explore the story of the Venice in Peril Fund, and take a look behind the scenes at some of their most recent projects, which the expert has followed personally in her work with the organization. This recent work includes: the famous Canova cenotaph at the church of the Frari, which enshrines the heart of Europe's most celebrated neoclassical sculptor; an important early altarpiece by Giovanni Bellini; a historic globe created by the workshop of Vincenzo Coronelli; and much more. We will also briefly consider some of the challenges which art conservators face in Venice, such as the damage caused by tidal flooding and the salty atmosphere. 

Led by art historian Dr. Susan Steer, the Fund’s representative in Venice, this conversation will introduce the work of the Venice in Peril Fund in conserving the monuments and art of this supremely beautiful but fragile city. A portion of the proceeds will go towards contribution to support the work of the Venice in Peril Fund. 

Susan Steer PhD is an art historian specializing in Medieval and Renaissance Venice. Susan has an extensive teaching background, lecturing on Italian art for universities in the UK and in Italy. She has also worked as a paintings researcher at museums in the UK, and has published on Italian Renaissance and Baroque art in leading specialist journals. She has lived in Venice for over 20 years.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 3 reviews
67%
(2)
33%
(1)
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M
Mary S. (Vancouver, CA)

A very interesting presentation providing a brief overview of the history of the Venice in Peril Fund, highlighting the environmental risks which threaten the art and buildings in Venice, and looking at a few of the restoration and conservation projects Venice in Peril has undertaken. I especially enjoyed the behind the scenes look at some of the restoration projects, gaining a better understanding of the research, consultation and planning that goes into any project before the actual painstaking restoration work begins. I now have another perspective with which to look at the beautiful art and architecture in Venice.

L
Laurie (Phoenix, US)
Very interesting and well presented

Dr. Steer does an excellent job! Learned a lot about the organization's important work. Especially liked learning about the Canova memorial in I Frari and San Nicolo dei Mendicoli.

I
I.A. (San Francisco, US)
Great presentation.

Very interesting and informative presentation. The moderator (Kelli) was terrible: she talks extremely fast, not understandable!

Customer Reviews

Based on 3 reviews
67%
(2)
33%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
M
Mary S. (Vancouver, CA)

A very interesting presentation providing a brief overview of the history of the Venice in Peril Fund, highlighting the environmental risks which threaten the art and buildings in Venice, and looking at a few of the restoration and conservation projects Venice in Peril has undertaken. I especially enjoyed the behind the scenes look at some of the restoration projects, gaining a better understanding of the research, consultation and planning that goes into any project before the actual painstaking restoration work begins. I now have another perspective with which to look at the beautiful art and architecture in Venice.

L
Laurie (Phoenix, US)
Very interesting and well presented

Dr. Steer does an excellent job! Learned a lot about the organization's important work. Especially liked learning about the Canova memorial in I Frari and San Nicolo dei Mendicoli.

I
I.A. (San Francisco, US)
Great presentation.

Very interesting and informative presentation. The moderator (Kelli) was terrible: she talks extremely fast, not understandable!