The Secrets of a Royal Portrait

14 December 2016 – 26 March 2017

21 September 2017 – 28 January 2018

A portrait of the last queen of Cyprus bearing secrets is shown in the new temporary exhibition of the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia. The portrait appears to date back to the 16th century and is considered one of the few Renaissance paintings of Caterina Cornaro to survive to this day.

The ‘secrets’ hidden behind the identity of the sitter are unveiled through scientific investigation. The exhibition presents the results of art historical research conducted by a curator of the Leventis Municipal Museum and the chemical and technical analyses carried out by the Cyprus Institute and the Academy of Fine Arts in Dresden, Germany, such as the restoration process of the artwork at a painting conservation studio in Germany.

Hosting a conference to present the conclusions of the research, the Museum offers the public a new experience in ‘museum learning’.

Sponsors: Italian Embassy of Cyprus, A. G. Leventis Foundation, Nicosia Municipality, Sakret Zeipekkis
Scientific collaborator: Cyprus Institute
Media sponsor: Kathimerini
Supported by: The Association of the Friends of the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia