MiC anticipates auction and buys a small Antonello da Messina
The work offered by Sotheby's in the Old Masters auctions was bought for $14.9 million. Destination? Capodimonte Museum
Key points
Italy's Ministry of Culture purchased a rare masterpiece by Antonello da Messina from Sotheby's, a work that was already well-known and had been shown in several exhibitions, from the Palazzo Reale in 2019 to the Scuderie del Quirinale in 2006 and again at the Metropolitan in 2005-06 and others. The extraordinary double-sided panel with an 'Ecce Homo' and a 'Saint Jerome in Penitence' (early 15th century) was probably the last work by the artist left in the hands of a private individual: a Chilean collector who offered it to Sotheby's in New York for auction. The panel, resembling a small icon, was withdrawn shortly before the sale due to the strong interest of the Italian Ministry of Culture. In fact, in the following days the work sold at MiC for $14.9 million, within the auction estimate of $10-15 million, before the Master Paintings & Works of Art Part I auction in New York on 5 February. All 40 known works by one of the greatest innovators of the Italian Renaissance are now held in museum collections.
The MiC, through the General Directorate of Museums, confirmed the acquisition of the rare, small masterpiece (19.5 x 14.3 cm), which was intended for the personal devotion of its various owners over time. The work, of unique rarity and quality, is a panel painted on both sides: on one side an intense 'Ecce Homo' with Christ crowned with thorns is depicted, on the other a 'Penitent Saint Jerome' in a rugged rocky landscape. The small size and the double depiction suggest a private religious function, which is also confirmed by the traces of use related to its long history as an object of worship, probably also a travelling companion.
What will its destination be? Rumours speak of Naples, of the Capodimonte Museum, but there is still no confirmation from the Ministry.
'This is an exceptional work by Antonello da Messina, pervaded by an almost indescribable power. Unlike many painters of his time, the artist captures the humanity of Christ in this image, something only the greatest artists are able to do. Spending time in front of this work is a deeply personal experience, and it was an honour to be able to share this masterpiece with visitors to Sotheby's in London and New York before its return to Italia," said Christopher Apostle, Sotheby's International Head of Old Masters.
The last time one of his works came up for auction was on 9 July 2003 with the oil on panel (recto/verso) 'The Madonna and Child with a Franciscan Monk/Ecce Homo' measuring 15 x 10.7 cm for €363,760 (within the estimate of €289,100 - €433,650) in the Old master pictures auction at Christie's, London.
The Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli confirms the acquisition: 'It is an operation of the highest cultural level: we waited a few days in communicating it out of respect for the authorities in charge of registering the purchase contract. The work represents a unicum in the artistic panorama of 15th-century Italia, a fundamental point in the strategy of expansion and enhancement of our cultural heritage, to be made available to Italian citizens and visitors from all over the world".
