Sydney Joseph Freedberg (November 11, 1914 – May 6, 1997) was an American art historian and curator, mainly of Italian Renaissance painting.
During the Second World War, Freedberg risked disciplinary action by refusing as a matter of conscience to work on intelligence about Rome.
Despite his decision, he was made an Honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire (Military Division) for his contributions to the war effort.
[1][2] In November 1966, after disastrous floods in Italy, Freedberg served as national vice chairman (1966–74) of the Committee to Rescue Italian Art.
A year later he began service on the Advisory Council to the Vatican Museums for the Sistine Chapel Restoration (serving as president from 1990 to 1993).