Italian Ministry Blocks Digital Sales of Uffizi Masterpieces After Michelangelo NFT Controversy
The sale of a digital version of Michelangelo's Tondo Doni for €240,000 by Cinello has sparked a controversy in Italy regarding digital reproductions of cultural artifacts. Founded by John Blem and Franco Losi, Cinello holds the rights to create digital versions of 40 works from the Uffizi. This transaction was highlighted on Le Iene on May 25, 2022, by Marco Occhipinti and Antonino Monteleone. In response, the Italian Ministry of Culture, under Massimo Osanna, released a circular to prohibit agreements with firms that produce digital copies, with a commission set to assess these situations. Cinello asserts that its DAWs are patented technology rather than NFTs, while the Ministry, led by Lucia Borgonzoni, is formulating guidelines for museums regarding NFTs and digital reproductions, stressing the importance of public ownership.
Key facts
- Digital copy of Michelangelo's Tondo Doni sold for €240,000 by Cinello.
- Cinello is a company founded by John Blem and Franco Losi specializing in DAWs (digital artworks).
- Cinello had rights to produce digital copies of 40 Uffizi works and other Italian museum pieces.
- The sale was featured on Le Iene on May 25, 2022, by journalists Marco Occhipinti and Antonino Monteleone.
- Ministry of Culture's Director General Massimo Osanna signed a circular to block contracts for digital copies.
- A special commission was instituted to evaluate cases of digital reproductions.
- Uffizi stated that the buyer cannot use images for unauthorized purposes; patrimony remains with the Republic.
- Ministry is developing guidelines for museums on NFTs and digital reproductions, led by Undersecretary Lucia Borgonzoni.
Entities
Artists
- Michelangelo
- Walter Benjamin
Institutions
- Cinello
- Uffizi
- Italian Ministry of Culture
- Le Iene
- ItaliaUno
- Artribune
Locations
- Italy
- Florence