Goldfinch

The Madonna of the Goldfinch, painted by Raphael in 1506, is a Renaissance masterpiece that is returning to exhibition in Florence after a restoration lasting 10 years. The goldfinch symbolizes Christ's crucificion because it is a bird that feeds among thorns. Legend has it that a goldfinch plucked out a thorn that was digging into Christ's brow as he was on his way to be crucified.

The Reuters article shows the stages of the restoration of the painting by Opificio delle Pietre Dure, one of Italy's state-run picture restoration laboratories. Remarkable work, and a nice tribute to the noble little goldfinch.