Botticelli's Madonna and Child Rediscovered in Private Home Near Naples
After more than fifty years, a painting by Sandro Botticelli, known as the Madonna and Child, has been found in Gragnano, close to Naples. This artwork, which dates back to the late 15th century, was initially housed in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie before being included in the Somma family's collection, safeguarded by royal decrees from 1931, 1941, and 1968. The Carabinieri's Cultural Heritage Protection Unit retrieved the piece and transferred it to the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for Naples. While the painting is in a deteriorated state, restoration efforts will be undertaken by the Istituto Centrale per il Restauro. Additionally, authorities are examining the legitimacy of the Somma family's claim. This discovery aligns with a Botticelli exhibition at the Museo Diocesano di Donnaregina, which will continue until January 31, 2024.
Key facts
- Botticelli's Madonna and Child rediscovered in a private home in Gragnano after over 50 years.
- The painting dates to the late 15th century, from Botticelli's mature phase with workshop intervention.
- Originally in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Santa Maria la Carità.
- Part of the Somma family collection, protected by royal decrees since 1931.
- Recovered by the Carabinieri Cultural Heritage Protection Unit and handed to the Superintendency of Naples.
- The painting is in poor condition; restoration by the Istituto Centrale per il Restauro is planned.
- After restoration, it will be permanently exhibited in a Naples museum, even if private ownership is confirmed.
- Historian Peppe Di Massa suggests the Madonna depicts Simonetta Cattaneo Vespucci.
- Ronald W. Lightbown's 1989 biography linked the painting to Pope Sixtus IV and the Medici.
- The discovery coincides with the exhibition of Botticelli's Adoration of the Magi at Museo Diocesano di Donnaregina until Jan 31, 2024.
Entities
Artists
- Sandro Botticelli
- Simonetta Cattaneo Vespucci
- Peppe Di Massa
- Ronald W. Lightbown
- Pope Sixtus IV
Institutions
- Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio dell'area metropolitana di Napoli
- Carabinieri Nucleo Tutela Patrimonio Culturale
- Istituto Centrale per il Restauro
- Museo Diocesano di Donnaregina
- Uffizi
- La Repubblica
- Artribune
Locations
- Gragnano
- Naples
- Italy
- Santa Maria la Carità
- Firenze
- Monti Lattari