Rare Bernini Painting Found in Vienna Museum Storeroom
A newly uncovered artwork by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, named 'Portrait of an Old Man,' has been found in the storeroom of the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna. This nearly life-sized portrayal of an elderly man, characterized by his unkempt white hair and piercing gaze, is set to be revealed in December. Although Bernini is primarily celebrated as a sculptor and architect, he never signed his paintings, and fewer than 20 are considered genuine. The portrait was acquired by the museum in 1920, attributed to Philippe de Champaigne, after being bequeathed by collector Richard Lieben, who bought it in 1900; its prior history remains unclear. Over the past century, it has been reassigned multiple times, including to anonymous Italian and French artists. The Art Newspaper reported this significant discovery, which enhances the limited collection of Bernini's verified works and will be showcased in a major exhibition. The painting was placed in storage in 1989 due to uncertain attribution.
Key facts
- A new painting by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, 'Portrait of an Old Man,' was discovered in the storeroom of Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum.
- The painting will be unveiled in December at the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
- Bernini never signed his paintings, and fewer than 20 are widely accepted as authentic.
- The portrait entered the museum's collection in 1920 as a work attributed to Philippe de Champaigne.
- It was bequeathed by Viennese collector Richard Lieben, who had purchased it in 1900.
- The painting had been moved into storage in 1989 for lack of a firm attribution.
- It was previously attributed to anonymous 17th-century Roman artist, Philippe de Champaigne, Jean Jouvenet, and Flemish artists.
- The discovery was reported by The Art Newspaper.
Entities
Artists
- Gian Lorenzo Bernini
- Philippe de Champaigne
- Jean Jouvenet
Institutions
- Kunsthistorisches Museum
- The Art Newspaper
Locations
- Vienna
- Austria
Sources
- Artsy —