ABSTRACT
The restoration of a large tapestry fragment from the second half of the fifteenth century was carried out by the Tapestries and Carpets Conservation Department and Restoration Laboratory of the Opificio delle Pietre Dure e Laboratori di Restauro in Florence. In the last 20 years a specific integration strategy has been carried out. These working methods were applied to the Battle of Roncevaux, a large medieval tapestry fragment of French/Flemish manufacture. The project was an ambitious challenge for the Lab to further develop the integrative methodology for the treatment of missing areas; such large lacunae had never been integrated before. It was also the occasion to develop a method for consolidating huge fragments, through the research for a new use of the galloon. This case study is an excellent example of modern restoration through multi-disciplinarity: the presence of a team of scientists, conservators, art historians and students was fundamental in obtaining an optimum result. They allowed the recovery of the textile structure without sacrificing the aesthetic result, so that the public can enjoy one of the most important medieval tapestries of the Italian collections.
