Key points
Location : Vatican Museums, Raphael Rooms
Restored work : Room of Constantine, the largest painted room in the Chambers
Duration of the project : 2015 – 2024 (10 years)
Techniques used : Reflectography, infrared, UV, chemical analyses, 3D modeling
Artists concerned : Raphael, his workshop and successors
Major frescoes : Comitas and Iustitia , painted in oil by Raphael
Project management : Barbara Jatta (Director of Museums)
Partners : Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums, Vatican Governorate
Objective : To restore the work to its original splendor and enrich scientific research
An exemplary restoration in the heart of the Vatican Museums
On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Vatican Museums unveiled the restoration of the Hall of Constantine, the final stage of an ambitious project launched in March 2015 and completed in December 2024. This monumental room—the largest of Raphael's famous Rooms—has been restored to all its original magnificence.
Barbara Jatta, Director of the Vatican Museums and Cultural Heritage of the Governorate, did not fail to praise the quality of this undertaking:
"An exemplary restoration, which reflects the activity of the great machine of the Vatican Museums in the fields of research, conservation and restoration."
She highlighted the excellence of the teams involved, particularly that of Fabio Piacentini, master restorer, and Francesca Persegati, head of the oldest Vatican Painting Restoration Laboratory. This complex project required several years of work by a true "workshop team," like Raphael's companions.
A long and ambitious project
The restoration of the Hall of Constantine was not only an aesthetic challenge. It also provided a significant insight into the painting techniques of the time and the process of creating frescoes.
Thanks to the work of the Scientific Research Office, led by Fabio Morresi, the team used cutting-edge technologies: 1900 nanometer reflectography, false-color infrared, UV fluorescence, chemical analyses, etc. A complete digital documentation, including a 3D model created by laser scanning, was produced. This model is now a scientific reference for the study of the great wall decorations of the Renaissance.
A masterpiece between history and spirituality
The Hall of Constantine, named after the emperor who granted freedom of worship to Christians by the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, was decorated during the pontificates of Leo X to Sixtus V. Although Raphael was unable to complete the decorative cycle himself—he died in 1520—his workshop continued his work according to his designs. The hall is particularly notable for two exceptional figures, painted in oil on wall by Raphael himself: Comitas (Benevolence) and Iustitia (Justice), the final testaments to his genius.
Barbara Jatta emphasized that this project would not have been possible without the decisive support of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums , in particular the New York Chapter and the Carlson Heritage. The role of the Governorate of Vatican City State, through its coordination with the scientific and cultural directorates, was also essential to the success of the operation.
FAQ
What is the Hall of Constantine?
It is the largest of the Raphael Rooms in the Vatican, decorated in homage to Emperor Constantine, famous for legalizing Christianity.
Who painted the frescoes?
Raphael designed the decorative program, but the majority of the frescoes were painted by his students after his death. He himself painted Comitas and Iustitia .
Why did the restoration take so long?
The complexity of the surface, the fragility of the paintings and the rigorous scientific approach required 10 years of work.
What technologies were used?
Infrared, UV fluorescence, reflectography, chemical analyses, 3D modeling – to better understand and preserve the work.
Who financed the restoration?
Private patrons, including the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums , with strong involvement from the New York Chapter and the Carlson Heritage.
Can we visit the restored room?
Yes, it is part of the public tour of the Vatican Museums and is now visible in its restored splendor.
Nicolas Sarazin