Michelangelo-attributed mural drawing for sale amid attribution debate and legal hurdles
A male nude mural, believed to be by Michelangelo Buonarroti, is up for sale by the Sernesi family. This artwork was removed from the Villa Michelangelo in Settignano, Florence, in 1979 and later restored by the Opificio delle Pietre Dure. The villa was sold for €8 million in November 2023. The drawing, which features a Triton or satyr, has uncertain attribution. Giorgio Bonsanti, who oversaw the restoration, claims it is Michelangelo's work. Cecile Hollberg from the Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze mentioned that more research is necessary. Due to Italian laws, its export is limited, and the Ministry of Culture might exercise preemption rights. The piece, insured for $24 million, has been shown globally, including at the Met in 2017.
Key facts
- The mural drawing of a male nude attributed to Michelangelo is for sale by the Sernesi family.
- The drawing was detached from a wall in Villa Michelangelo in Settignano in 1979.
- The villa was sold in November 2023 for €8 million.
- The drawing depicts a Triton or satyr.
- Giorgio Bonsanti stated the drawing is unquestionably by Michelangelo.
- Cecile Hollberg said further investigation is needed.
- Italian law prevents the work from leaving Italy except on loan.
- The Ministry of Culture may exercise preemption rights to purchase the work.
- The work was exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2017.
- It was insured for $24 million.
- Carmen Bambach called it the only surviving large-scale drawing by Michelangelo.
- A Michelangelo bozzetto sold at Christie's Paris in 2022 for €23 million.
Entities
Artists
- Michelangelo Buonarroti
Institutions
- Opificio delle Pietre Dure
- Galleria dell'Accademia di Firenze
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Christie's
- Ministero della Cultura
Locations
- Settignano
- Florence
- Italy
- Japan
- Canada
- China
- United States
- New York
- Paris