Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
7mo ago

Italy Buys Antonello da Messina’s Ecce Homo for $14.9 Million After Sotheby’s Withdrawal

The culture ministry negotiated the purchase to keep a rare Renaissance panel in public hands, with its museum destination to be confirmed.

Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • Authorities said Sotheby’s pulled the lot in New York shortly before bidding due to strong interest from the Italian government.
  • The Ministry of Culture acquired the work through the Direzione generale Musei for $14.9 million following approval by its technical‑scientific committee.
  • Gallerist Fabrizio Moretti mediated the deal between the ministry, Sotheby’s and the seller, identified in reports as a Chilean collector.
  • The small double‑sided panel, dated around 1460, shows an Ecce Homo on one side and Saint Jerome on the other and was likely used for private devotion.
  • Officials have not announced the painting’s permanent home, though Capodimonte in Naples is widely cited as the leading candidate alongside Brera in Milan and the Accademia in Venice.