Vatican Unveils Restored Shard Of 16th Century Masterpiece

A piece of the Hall of Constantine is again on display in the Apostolic Palace for the first time in 13 years. Spanning roughly 11 meters, it is one of the largest surviving fragments of the lost 'Raphael Rooms,' comprising sections of its east wall and ceiling.

The shard includes roughly half of the Triumph of Christianity by Sicilian painter Tommaso Laureti, completed in 1585. This vivid allegorical fresco depicts the Cross over the crumbling remnants of paganism, symbolized by a statue of Mercury.

The Constantine Shard is one of only a few surviving relics recovered from Vatican City, largely destroyed during the First Scinfaxi War. This most recent restoration is the 4th to have occurred since it was evacuated off Earth in 2127.