Residents of Tula were shown the painting “Feast of Belshazzar,” which had survived a fire and was restored by an anonymous artist. This news was shared by the channel “First Tulsky.”
Scholars generally place the work in the 18th century, with Italian painter Matteo Boneci recognized as the probable author. Boneci was known for his activity in Florence, where his craft flourished. The canvas draws on the biblical tale of Belshazzar’s Feast, a moment when power in Babylon shifted following the death of Belshazzar’s father. The narrative of the feast spans days and nights, a backdrop to the looming siege that marks the city’s fate.
The painting has undergone an extended restoration, lasting about 15 years. The project was led by Academician IE Grabar at the Tula Museum of Fine Arts in 2022. Initial plans projected a 3- to 5-year restoration period, but an unfortunate fire in 2010 ravaged the restoration workshops and damaged portions of the artwork. As a result, many sections required careful redraws and meticulous conservation work to regain the original appearance and integrity of the scene.
Recent conservation efforts have focused on stabilizing the materials, ensuring color fidelity, and preserving delicate details that convey the drama of the biblical banquet. The work has become a symbol of resilience for the regional museum community, illustrating how restoration can revive historical narratives while safeguarding them for future generations. The team’s approach emphasizes authentic restoration techniques, careful documentation, and ongoing preventive care to minimize future risk while allowing viewers to engage with the painting as a standalone witness to 18th-century artistic practice and religious storytelling.