Galleria Borghese at TEFAF Maastricht Sparks Controversy

The Galleria Borghese in Rome will participate in TEFAF Maastricht, the world's most prestigious modern art fair, from March 10 to 19, presenting a selection of 15th-17th century paintings and sculptures from its collection under the title 'An Italian Legacy'. Director Anna Coliva accepted the invitation as a guest of honor, stating the fair offers an opportunity to showcase the museum's works to 800,000 visitors including professionals, patrons, and collectors. The decision has sparked criticism from Alessandra Mottola Molfino of ICOM's ethics committee, who argued in La Repubblica that exhibiting museum pieces at a commercial fair debases their dignity. Coliva defended the move, noting that TEFAF has previously collaborated with prestigious institutions like Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rijksmuseum, and Van Gogh Museum. The 13 works include paintings by Giovanni Battista Caracciolo, Dosso Dossi, Pietro da Cortona, and sculptures by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Alessandro Algardi, and Nicolas Cordier. Despite concerns about the fragility of Cordier's 'La Zingarella', Coliva confirmed the works are safe to transport. She emphasized that public museums are not antagonists of the market and that the Galleria Borghese itself was founded by a collector. The controversy reflects ongoing tensions in Italy over museum participation in art fairs.