James Ivory backs campaign to buy Vasari panel for Venice museum

The Gallerie dell'Accademia di Venezia, in collaboration with the Fondazione Venetian Heritage, has launched a fundraising campaign to acquire the last missing panel from Giorgio Vasari's 1542 ceiling cycle. The panel, titled "Speranza" (Hope), was part of a nine-compartment coffered ceiling originally installed in Palazzo Corner-Spinelli, which was dismantled in the early 20th century and dispersed on the European antiquarian market. Since 1987, the Italian state has gradually repurchased and reunited the other panels at the Gallerie dell'Accademia, with support from the Ministry, foundations, and private collectors. The current owners, heirs of Lord Weidenfeld, are asking £600,000 for the panel and have consigned it to Christie's London for auction. Oscar-winning director James Ivory, an honorary member of Fondazione Venetian Heritage, has pledged €5,000 as the first donor, hoping to spark a chain reaction. Museum director Paola Marini is leading the effort. A similar campaign in 2013 successfully raised €413,000 to acquire the "Fede" panel from Lady Kennet's collection in London. The new campaign involves the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism, the Gallerie dell'Accademia, and Fondazione Venetian Heritage.