Sassetta's Borgo San Sepolcro altarpiece, reconstructed

Sixty paintings once adorned the altarpiece of a Franciscan church in the small Tuscan town of Borgo San Sepolcro. View illustrations from the modern-day reconstruction.

Sassetta: The Borgo San Sepolcro Altarpiece, a new book edited by art historian and Villa I Tatti fellow Machtelt Israëls, details the reconstruction of a "lost" Italian Renaissance altarpiece. Below, view images from the recent virtual restoration. To read more, see the main article, "Masterpiece Pieces."

Reconstruction of Sassetta’s Borgo San Sepolcro altarpiece, front view.

Reconstruction of Sassetta’s Borgo San Sepolcro altarpiece, oblique front view with its full piers, altar, and altar steps.

Reconstruction of Sassetta’s Borgo San Sepolcro altarpiece, back view.

Reconstruction of Sassetta’s Borgo San Sepolcro altarpiece, oblique back view with its full piers, altar, and altar steps.

 

Credit for all images: Reconstruction by Machtelt Israëls, James R. Banker, Roberto Bellucci, Rachel Billinge, George Bisacca, Ciro Castelli, Cecilia Frosinini, Christa Gardner von Teuffel, Babette Hartwieg, Elisabeth Ravaud, Andrea Santacesaria, Carl Brandon Strehlke, Dominique Thiébaut, Serena Urry et al. Three-dimensional drawing by Andrea Santacesaria, Opificio delle Pietre Dure, Florence. Rendering by Giacomo Tenti, Culturanuova, Arezzo. © Villa I Tatti, The Harvard University Center for Italian Renaissance Studies.

Related topics

You might also like

How a Harvard Hockey Legend Became a Needlepoint Artist

Joe Bertagna’s retirement project recreates figures from Boston sports history.

These Harvard Mountaineers Braved Denali’s Wall of Ice

John Graham’s Denali Diary documents a dangerous and historic climb.

This TikTok Artist Combines Monsters and Mental Heath

Ava Jinying Salzman’s artwork helps people process difficult feelings.

Most popular

Harvard Faculty Approve a Cap on A Grades

Reforms to reduce grade inflation will take effect in the fall of 2027.

Harvard Discloses Top Earners’ Compensation

The University files its annual report for tax-exempt organizations.

Harvard Holds a Symposium on Antisemitism and Universities

Scholars discuss the paradoxes and challenges that Jews navigate on college campuses.

Explore More From Current Issue

Katie Benzan stands on a basketball court holding a ball, with a hoop in the background.

How Women Are Changing the NBA

From coaching staffs to front offices, female leaders are bringing new strategies to men’s basketball.

Bronze statues of three historical figures under a stylized tree in a softly lit space.

The Costly Choice Native Americans Faced

How the Revolution reshaped indigenous New England

Alene Anello smiling surrounded by four chickens in a natural outdoor setting.

This Harvard-Trained Lawyer Fights for the Rights of Chickens

Alene Anello wants to apply animal cruelty laws to birds raised for meat.