Where art meets science: the portrait of ITŌ MANCHO by Domenico Tintoretto at the Osaka Expo
NEWS AND EVENTS
The Bracco Group, Official Gold Sponsor of the Italian Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, is staging several major Expo events on themes ranging from art to medicine of the future as it showcases Italian excellence, strengthens cultural links between Italy and Japan, and emphasizes the central importance of scientific innovation and research.
In keeping with the “Art Generates Life” theme of the Italian Pavilion, the Bracco Group has plans for a keynote event in the fascinating crossover territory where art meets science. One of the features of the Italian pavilion is Domenico Tintoretto’s Portrait of Itō Mancio, a painting from 1585 depicting the first official meeting between Italy and Japan that attests to the historical depth of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The portrait, part of the Collection of the Trivulzio Foundation in Milan, will be accompanied by an immersive video showing the meticulous programme of restoration and diagnostic imaging carried out by a team led Professor Isabella Castiglioni with the sponsorship of the Bracco Foundation. The restoration project was a unique opportunity for strengthening the bonds that tie art and science, an endeavour that is central to the Foundation’s mission. The non-invasive diagnostic analysis of the Itō Mancho portrait revealed a number of surprising discoveries that members of the public can now appreciate. Thanks to the science of diagnostic imaging, visitors can see into the hidden layers of the work, lift the veils of time, and discover the mysteries of art.
From 13 April to 13 October 2025, the Italian Pavilion will be hosting events combining the themes of art, health and innovation. The Bracco Group’s contribution to Italy’s National Day at the Expo is its sponsorship of a performance by the Dance School of the Accademia Teatro alla Scala (of which the Foundation is a founding member and main partner). Bracco will also participate in the Health and Wellness Week, with events dedicated to diagnostic imaging. Centro Diagnostico Italiano, the diagnostics branch of the Bracco Group, will take part in the Agevity Forum discussing health issues in Japan.
This Bracco Group project is part of an ongoing campaign to foster dialogue between art and science, celebrate Italian culture, and encourage thoughtful engagement with the universal themes of health and well-being in a context conducive to innovation and international collaboration.
04.16.2025
The first mission from Japan to Italy. The portrait of Itō Mancio between art, culture and scienceThe conference highlights the work of Domenico Tintoretto, whose painting is featured thanks to Bracco Group in the visitor experience for the entire six months of Expo. This presentation is complemented by the latest findings from diagnostic analyses, promoted by Bracco Foundation, which have unveiled fascinating new insights.