Raphael's Visitation Returns to L'Aquila After Nearly 400 Years

Raphael's 'Visitation' has returned to L'Aquila for the first time in nearly four centuries, on loan from the Museo del Prado in Madrid. The painting was originally commissioned by the Branconio family for the San Silvestro chapel in L'Aquila. It was removed in the 17th century during Spanish rule and had not been back since. The Museo Nazionale d'Abruzzo (MuNDA) is hosting the exhibition 'La Visitazione all'Aquila. Raffaello e Pontormo' until September 27, curated by Tom Henry and Federica Zalabra. The show pairs Raphael's work with Pontormo's 'Visitation' from the church of Santi Michele e Francesco in Carmignano, on loan from the Diocese of Pistoia. The exhibition explores the patronage of Giovanni Battista Branconio, a humanist and diplomat close to Pope Leo X, who commissioned Raphael. It also examines Raphael's workshop, his collaborations, and the lost Palazzo Branconio in Rome, designed by Raphael. Digital reconstructions and archival materials are included. The exhibition is part of L'Aquila's program as Italian Capital of Culture 2026, supported by the Restart initiative. Negotiations for the loan began in 2024 between MuNDA and the Prado.