Behind the Threads: Restoring a Renaissance Tapestry

This panel brings together experts in conservation, scientific research, and curatorial practice to explore the challenges of preserving historic textiles. At its center is The Meeting of Dante and Virgil (c. 1546–49) by Francesco Salviati, now in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, which has not been displayed since 1959 due to its fragile condition. The restoration is supported by the TEFAF Museum Restoration Fund. Panelists Carolyn Riccardelli — Conservator, Objects Conservation, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Max Bryant — James Ford Bell Associate Curator of European Decorative Arts and Sculpture Minneapolis Institute of Art Elizabeth Cleland — Curator, European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York This TEFAF Talk was presented by ICOM-CC as part of TEFAF New York’s programming and took place on May 16, 2026 View full TEFAF Programming overview at https://www.tefaf.com/talks