The Stucco Cycle in the Palazzo Roveresco in Montebello: A Rediscovered Masterpiece by Federico Brandani

In 2022, the municipality of Terre Roveresche purchased the Palazzo Roveresco in the medieval village of Montebello near Orciano, to save it from further neglect and destruction. It started a five-year restoration and renovation project that would enable its use as a cultural centre. Of medieval origin, the palazzo was rebuilt at the end of the fifteenth century as a fortress. Later, having become the property of the Stati family, it was transformed into a country seat and decorated for Count Antonio Stati by one of the greatest Italian stucco artists of the sixteenth century, Federico Brandani, from Urbino. This is the first scientific contribution dedicated to the Palazzo Roveresco in Montebello. It provides context regarding the history of the medieval village, the construction of the palace and the identification of its possible architects, sometimes named as Francesco di Giorgio Martini and Filippo Terzi. The study discusses the role of the client, Antonio Stati, and the stucco cycle by Federico Brandani. This cycle is described and illustrated with newly commissioned photographs. Finally, a dating hypothesis is proposed, based on documentary evidence.