Francesco Valenti's restoration design of Santissima Annunziata of Catalans Church in Messina. A walkthrough among survey and graphic representation

By consulting the project material describing the reconstruction/ renovation phase of the church SS. Annunziata dei Catalani in Messina the author conducted a critical analysis concerning Francesco Valenti’s professional achievements in the fields of architectural survey and graphic reconstruction. Considering the survey drawing as a key operational tool for the historical-critical investigation of a specific monument and not a passive element, in this paper are analyzed some drawings preserved in the archives of the Superintendence of Messina. They were also conducted comparisons with surveys carried out in the contemporary times confirming the innovative approach of Valenti about survey and graphic rendering methods used in the early decades of the last century in restoration or reconstruction of old buildings.