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Conservatives discovering Duclos’ tracing techniques on a modern-day scaffolding
New Duclos discoveries
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How did Duclos climb to the top of Santissima Annunziata Church to trace a fresco? Studies conducted during the restoration of Duclos’ Madonna del Sacco revealed that the artist had climbed up the scaffolding at the Church of Santissima Maria Annunziata (in her hoop skirts!) and traced the original del Sarto fresco using a technique described in Vasari’s Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects — an amazing feat considering the fresco’s size and dizzying height. AWA conservators restored the Duclos, whilst another Florence-based organization ‘Friends of Florence’ restored the Del Sarto original. This fortuitious ‘coincidence’ allowed us to trace De Sarto’s work and compare it with Duclos’ work. It corresponds almost exactly, with the exception of very few details. That she managed to accomplish such a taxing copying feat, is nothing short of astounding.