Nuns painted over risqué Rome frescoes; restorers reveal them 300 years later

For nearly three centuries, layers of plain paint and plaster concealed a remarkable secret within one of Rome's neglected Renaissance villas. Now, restorers are revealing vibrant scenes of gods, goddesses, soldiers and mythological figures, as per a report by Smithsonian Magazine. Villa Silvestri Rivaldi, a sprawling 16th-century residence near Rome's Colosseum, was acquired by Italy's Lazio region in 2024 for €25 million and is now undergoing extensive restoration.The villa's frescoes, featuring nude and semi-nude figures from non-Christian mythology, were deliberately covered by nuns who occupied the property from the 17th century.

These paintings had been hidden for around 300 years until recently. Today, conservators are carefully removing those later layers using methods such as laser cleaning and water-based techniques. In some sections, the process has already uncovered entire scenes that had been unseen for generations.Villa Silvestri Rivaldi was built between 1534 and 1547 during Rome's artistic and architectural transformation, commissioned by Eurialo Silvestri, a chamberlain and associate of Pope Paul III.

Although his ambition to become a cardinal was not met, the villa was home to prominent figures like members of the Medici and Colonna dynasties. The villa's design reflected its occupants' wealth and status, featuring elaborate decorations and mythological imagery. After the nuns took over in 1660, they objected to the nude figures and pagan imagery, leading to the cover-up of the Renaissance artwork.Professor Paola Mezzadri, a conservator involved in the project, noted that restoration began after Lazio purchased the villa in 2024.

The $40-million restoration project aims to stabilize the building and reveal its historic decoration. Among the most striking discoveries is the Hall of Divinities, where monumental goddesses are being uncovered in vivid colors. Other halls, such as the Hall of the Emperors and the Hall of Cupid and Psyche, are also revealing hidden scenes, including soldiers, cavalry, battles, and portraits of Roman emperors.

The restoration process is delicate, requiring careful distinction between later paint layers and original artwork. Modern techniques like lasers and water-based cleaning are employed to minimize damage. The villa's history extends beyond the Renaissance, with later uses and neglect, and even 20th-century graffiti found alongside the ancient frescoes.

The complete restoration and public opening of the villa remain uncertain, as the scale of work continues to yield new discoveries.