Rediscovered 19th-Century Painting by Michelangelo Grigoletti Unveiled in Pordenone

A painting by 19th-century artist Michelangelo Grigoletti (1801–1870), long thought to be lost, was rediscovered after being bought for €5,000 at a Staffordshire auction in 2022. Titled "L'ultimo colloquio del Doge Francesco Foscari con il figlio Jacopo" (1842–44), it was originally commissioned by John Burton Phillips for Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria and had vanished from historical records until an Italian collector acquired it. Acknowledged for its importance by Francesco Maspes, the artwork is now valued at €250,000. Currently, it is part of the exhibition "Il Grigoletti ritrovato" at Museo d'arte di Palazzo Ricchieri in Pordenone, curated by Vania Gransinigh, before moving to Accademia Carrara in Bergamo for a melodrama showcase. The piece illustrates Jacopo Foscari's plea for his father's mercy.