Bernini's Newly Discovered Painting to Debut at Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum
A newly identified artwork, named Portrait of an Old Man and linked to Gian Lorenzo Bernini, is set to be revealed in December at the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. This nearly life-sized painting shows an elderly man with unkempt white hair. Once thought to be the creation of an unknown 17th-century artist, it was cataloged in the museum in 1920 as a piece by Philippe de Champaigne. Curator Gudrun Swoboda supports the claim of Bernini's authorship by drawing parallels with his other creations. The painting's dating around 1670 raises debate, as it is believed Bernini ceased painting around 1650. It will feature prominently in the exhibition 'Bernini: Painter and Sculptor' at Palais Lobkowitz from 2 December to 4 April 2027.
Key facts
- The painting 'Portrait of an Old Man' is newly attributed to Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
- It will be unveiled in December at Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum.
- The painting entered the museum in 1920 as a work by Philippe de Champaigne.
- It was bequeathed by Richard Lieben, who bought it in 1900.
- The painting was previously attributed to various artists, including Baciccio.
- It was stored away in 1989 due to uncertain attribution.
- Curator Gudrun Swoboda believes the date is around 1670 based on fashion.
- Scientific examination shows two different hands in the painting.
- The exhibition 'Bernini: Painter and Sculptor' runs from 2 December to 4 April 2027 at Palais Lobkowitz.
Entities
Artists
- Gian Lorenzo Bernini
- Philippe de Champaigne
- Jean Jouvenet
- Jakob Ferdinand Voet
- Erasmus Quellinus the Younger
- Baciccio
- Mario Chigi
Institutions
- Kunsthistorisches Museum
- Palais Lobkowitz
- Galleria degli Uffizi
- Royal Collection
Locations
- Vienna
- Austria
- Rome
- Italy
- Versailles
- France