John Ringling purchased the statue, a cast bronze replica after Michelangelo’s David, from the Chiurrazi Foundry outside of Rome, Italy, around the turn of the twentieth century. It was installed in the Museum of Art Courtyard, and became the symbol of the City of Sarasota.
For the first time in over sixty years, one of the most impressive works of art in The Ringling’s collection will return to view. Conservation of the painting was supported by The Getty Foundation Conserving Canvas Initiative.
Ringling Conservation staff and contracted conservators have been hard at work treating the "Watermelon Regatta" allegorical painting. In this latest step, an isolating varnish was applied to the entire canvas.
