The exhibition of Bernardino Luini works of art – one of the leading artists of the Italian Renaissance – was ceremonially opened in April at the Palazzo Reale in Milan, where various Renaissance art will be displayed until mid-July.
The most valuable paintings and sculptures of the 200 pieces exhibited are displayed behind glass. This is no ordinary glass, but a bespoke product comprising laminated anti-reflective glass Pilkington OptiView™ Protect OW on an extra clear glass substrate, ensuring that the paintings and scupltures are not only safe and secure, but can also be clearly viewed.
The exhibition "Bernardino Luini ei Suoi Figli" (Bernardino Luini and His Sons) was inaugurated on April 9th at the Palazzo Reale in Milan, and is the largest project ever devoted to the sixteenth-century artist and his descendants. The exhibition itinerary presents a selection of 200 works of art, mainly paintings, which beautifully depict the Italian Renaissance. It is essential that these precious pieces, which date back to XV-XVI century are properly protected both from environmental conditions and theft, yet still remain clearly visible to visitors. This is where art merges with Pilkington glass, making a perfect combination of art and utility. Thanks to Pilkington Italia – the technical sponsor of the exhibition and glass grantor – 18 paintings and sculptures are protected by laminated anti-reflective glass Pilkington OptiView™ Protect OW.
The collection of Bernardino Luini’s paintings displayed behind the Pilkington OptiView™ Protect OW includes "Madonna and Child with an Angel", "Virgin and Child with Saints and Donors”, "Saint Barbara", "Saint Catherine", "Saint Bernard", "Saint Anthony", to name a few. There are also three sculptures by Bernardino Luini.
Pilkington OptiView™ Protect OW is an ideal solution for protection of the artwork, because the anti-reflective coating blocks more than 99% of UVA and UVB radiation. Ultraviolet radiation contributes to the fading of colours and pigments, decomposition of binders and varnishes, as well as structural changes (e.g. cracking of paint). It also offers additional safety properties, as Pilkington OptiView™ Protect OW of 12.8 mm thickness meets P2A resistance class, providing protection against attack. In the event of breakage, glass is held together by PVB interlayer and as such provides optimal protection for works of art.
Photography: © Andrea Scuratti