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DAVID, THE LAST SUPER AND CONTROVERSIAL RESTORATION.                                                                                     

Is this the real thing?: Leonardo's Last Supper, before (left) and after (right) restoration in 1999. Photo: AP

Why Dirty David needs a wash - or at least a dry clean

By Sophie Arie in Rome

Michelangelo's masterpiece David is causing a dispute in the international art world as experts bicker over how the statue should be cleaned ahead of its 500th birthday next year. David is in serious need of a bath. His perfectly formed marble muscles are caked with grime and traces of protective wax and have not been washed since 1843 when a restorer applied a heavy dose of hydrochloric acid. These days, the cleaning methods are more sophisticated. So much so that after over 10 years of preparation, the two experts involved in the restoration cannot agree whether the statue should be washed or dry cleaned. Franca Falletti, director of Florence's Galleria dell'Accademia, where David is housed, believes wet poultices are needed to suck the grime out of the statue's pores. But restorer Agnese Parronchi, appointed to carry out the job, resigned in April, convinced that the dirt should only be brushed away using hair brushes. Ms. Falletti argues that while this would remove dust, it would not shift other deposits. Some 39 international art experts have signed a petition calling for David to stay dirty while an independent commission decides which method is best. "Given the genuine conflict of methodologies and the fact recognised by all parties that there is no imminent danger to the statue, we the undersigned believe that any decision to proceed should be postponed," wrote a US-based group, Artwatch International, directed by Columbia University's Professor James Beck. But Antonio Paolucci, superintendent for arts in Florence, said the Italians "didn't need to be told what to do by anyone. We are the best, on an international level, in the field of restoration. There is no need to dramatize what's just a light dusting, under supervision".

Over 11 years, the Italian team that Mr. Paolucci ultimately controls has digitally mapped the 16ft-high Renaissance masterpiece for cracks or blemishes. A lift has been designed to allow restorers to reach every nook and cranny. The restoration job is supposed to be done outside visiting hours over six months. Most of the dirt is deeply ingrained after the statue, which Michelangelo completed in 1504, was exposed to the elements - and the Florentines - for over 300 years, in the Piazza della Signorina. During that time, David's left arm was broken off by mobs rioting against the Medici family and a metal fig leaf was placed temporarily over the statue's genitals. In 1873, David was taken indoors and since then the statue has been the centrepiece at the purpose built Galleria dell'Accademia, where it is admired and breathed upon by 1.2 million visitors a year.

Ms. Falletti has said that the restoration should not change the statue visibly but will help experts learn how best to preserve it in future. Much of the project is being funded by a Dutch philanthropist who has donated $160,000 (£100,000) through a non-profit organisation, Ars Longa Stichting. Reports last night said a group, including celebrities Sting and Mel Gibson, were considering donating as much as £500,000 to the project. The Friends of Florence, said it had already donated £1m to restoration projects in Italy, £150,000 of which will be used to fund scientific research for the restoration of Michelangelo's masterpiece. Mr. Paolucci has appointed a new restoration expert to replace Ms. Parronchi and begin the cleaning job in September.

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