Antonello da Messina's Ecce Homo to Find Permanent Home in L'Aquila
The Italian Ministry of Culture has chosen L'Aquila as the permanent home for Antonello da Messina's Ecce Homo, which was purchased for $14.9 million at a Sotheby's auction. The artwork will begin its journey at L'Aquila, coinciding with the city's year as the Italian Capital of Culture, before moving to MuNDA (Museo Nazionale d'Abruzzo) in Forte Spagnolo after 2026. Mayor Pierluigi Biondi announced this decision, with backing from Massimo Osanna. Federica Zalabra, the director of MuNDA, highlighted the painting's importance. An exhibition opening on June 27 will feature Raphael's Visitation alongside Pontormo's interpretation, curated by Tom Henry and Federica Zalabra, in partnership with several institutions, including the Spanish Embassy. MuNDA welcomed 65,000 visitors in 2024.
Key facts
- Antonello da Messina's Ecce Homo acquired by Italian state for $14.9 million at Sotheby's.
- Painting to have permanent residence at MuNDA in L'Aquila beyond 2026.
- MuNDA prepared scientific proposal in early February 2024.
- Raphael's Visitation exhibition opens June 27 at MuNDA.
- Raphael's altarpiece was taken during Spanish occupation in 1655.
- Exhibition curated by Tom Henry and Federica Zalabra.
- MuNDA visitors grew from 5,000 in 2021 to 65,000 in 2024.
- December 4 exhibition with loan from Acropolis Museum in Athens.
Entities
Artists
- Antonello da Messina
- Raphael
- Pontormo
- Filippo IV
Institutions
- Ministero della Cultura
- Sotheby's
- MuNDA (Museo Nazionale d'Abruzzo)
- Museo del Prado
- Diocese of Pistoia
- Spanish Embassy in Italy
- Acropolis Museum
- Artribune
- Palazzo della Minerva
- MuNDA
- Italian Ministry of Culture
- Galleria Fabrizio Moretti
- Museo Nazionale d'Abruzzo (MUNDA)
- Forte Spagnolo
- Forum in Masseria 2026
Locations
- L'Aquila
- Italy
- United States
- Madrid
- Spain
- Carmignano
- Pistoia
- Athens
- Greece
- Rome
- New York
- Messina
- Florence
- Saturnia