Gianluigi Colalucci

[2] Colalucci graduated in the restoration of painting on wood, mural, and canvas, from the Istituto Centrale del Restauro [it] in 1953, where he was a pupil of Cesare Brandi.

[3] Colalucci began working with the Vatican in 1960, and between 1980 and 1994 led the restoration of the Sistine Chapel frescoes, directing a team of twelve,[4] and removing centuries of smoke, dust, glue, varnishes, and wine which had dulled the frescoes,[5][1][2] as well as allowing art historians to visit the chapel during this work and observe the team's restoration technique.

[5][6] A year before his death, in an interview with the Vatican Museums he reflected on the risk of the restoration, saying "If these two brushstrokes get ruined while you are cleaning, you are lost.

[5] The Vatican Museum attributed the current "dazzling splendour" of the works to Colalucci's restoration effort,[2] and a Queen's Quarterly contributor suggested "every book on Michelangelo would now have to be rewritten" due to the vibrant colours and details that are now visible.

[3][10] Until recently before his death, he continued to give advice on restoration and conservation efforts relating to the Sistine Chapel, including the Room of Constantine.