The Palazzo Te, Mantua-based venue, is an example of the mannerist style of architecture, and Giulio Romano’s acknowledged masterpiece, so what better location for an exhibition of many of his most celebrated works of art? 

The 11 paintings, provided by many important European museums and galleries, have one theme in common – art and desire – always a fascinating topic and certain to be a great success at this exhibition which opened on October 6.

Such precious works of art needed special glass to ensure undisturbed display and protection. Technical sponsor Pilkington Italia provided the high-quality solution with Pilkington OptiView™ Protect OW.

Increasingly in demand in the world of art, the glass performs various functions, making it almost indispensable when it comes to enhancing high value exceptional and unique works of art.

Pilkington OptiView™ Protect OW - benefits

• a very low light reflection, less than 2%, allowing maximum appreciation of the exhibited works by almost eliminating reflections that hinder or spoil the viewer’s experience;
• an extra clear, neutral appearance that does not alter the colours of the exhibited works, providing an undisturbed view;
• provides a shield for more than 99% of UVA and UVB radiation, the two main causes of deterioration over time – protecting the works, canvases and colours, thereby prolonging their life almost indefinitely;
• protects the exhibited goods from vandalism, offering a high level of resistance according to the UNI EN 12600 - 1(B)1 and UNI EN 356 - P2A regulations.

“We would like these works of art to survive forever,” said Lauretta Lora, Marketing and Communication Coordinator at Pilkington Italia. “By safeguarding them from degradation, we are ensuring that future generations will be able to appreciate and enjoy their beauty. 

“The Pilkington OptiView™ Protect OW product installed in this exhibition was also used to protect works at the new Museo Egizio of Turin and more recently in the new display of the preparatory drawing of the "School of Athens" by Raphael, exhibited at the Biblioteca Ambrosiana in Milan. Providing the protection of some of the world’s great works of art is a privilege and it is an honour for our company to contribute to these projects.”

Credits of the Exhibition:

Giulio Romano: Art and desire - Palazzo Te, Mantova

The exhibition is promoted by the Municipality of Mantua, produced and organized by the Fondazione Palazzo Te with the Electa Publishing House.

Exhibition curated by Barbara Furlotti, Guido Rebecchini and Linda Wolk-Simon

Project Design: Lissoni Associati Milan

Glass processing company: Glas Italia

Photography: Thomas Roberto Pagani