I’m often surprised by the reaction when we mention restoring frescoes in our apartment. Foreigners and Italians alike confess they might not have the patience to tackle these projects. Our reply is always the same. But how could we not?

For us it’s a dream and privilege to play a tiny role in the story of this space. The building (palazzo) was constructed in the 1500s as the grand family home for a wealthy merchant. As was the fashion of the day, an entire floor of the palazzo was dedicated to welcoming and entertaining guests (with the family living on the floors above and servants in spaces below). The nobile floor (il piano nobile) was designed to dazzle. Hallmarks include extra large windows, wood-beamed or coffered ceilings, and, naturally, frescoes covering most walls. As we found during renovation of our apartment, when styles and inhabitants changed over the centuries, new paintings were commissioned to cover the old.

With this latest restoration project in the room we call Il Pavone (The Peacock), it seems somewhere in the late 1800s to early 1900s, the proprietors commissioned a new artwork to make their own individual mark and to represent the booming era of optimism and growth. Liberty style and art nouevuex were all the rage. We have no way of knowing if they were aware of earlier frescoes, or if the older works had already been painted over by previous generations. During our renovation, we found hints of the layers below, likely dating a century or two before.

We also can’t know if the family specifically requested a painting featuring peacocks or if the artist suggested the idea. Peacocks featured heavily in the Liberty aesthetic, and the motif has been reoccurring since the earliest known frescoes, like this one dating from the 2nd century.

Regardless of how the design came to be, it was surely a bold move, announcing to all visitors the family’s prosperty and creative flair.

For the past three years, we have watched these lovely peacocks peeking through the dirt, girt, and discoloration. We’ve listened to their calls. “Restore our dignity,” they’ve cried.

For reference, here’s a reminder of how they looked before. Faded and cracked, yet regal and splendid.

The restoration took about six weeks thanks to the steady and swift hand of artist Elisa Pasquini. She has helped us to bring these beauties back to life and we are endlessly grateful!! Give her a follow on Instagram @latelier_di_pabloegertrude to see more of her exquisite work.

Here’s a peek into the process.

And, finally, here’s the finished restoration. We are amazed at how much they shine and how much life they possess.

Being their guardians gives us so much joy.

How could we not?

We are grateful.