Royal Academy faces internal debate over potential sale of Michelangelo's Taddei Tondo amid financial pressures
Members of the Royal Academy are advocating for a conversation regarding the potential sale of Michelangelo's sole sculpture in England to alleviate financial difficulties, although the institution has refuted any plans for a sale. The Taddei Tondo, officially known as The Virgin and Child with the Infant St John, was crafted around 1504-1505 and presented to the Academy in 1829. This marble relief, valued at about £100 million, is a notable Renaissance artwork. The Royal Academy is facing financial strains, aiming to cut annual expenses by £8 million, with nearly half of its workforce at risk of redundancy. The Observer reported on Sunday that members are urging discussions about selling the piece to avert job losses, while a spokesperson confirmed there are no intentions to sell any artworks. This debate arises as numerous UK arts institutions pursue cost-saving measures post-COVID-19.
Key facts
- Royal Academy members are calling for debate about selling Michelangelo's only sculpture in England
- The sculpture is known as the Taddei Tondo and was created in the early 16th century
- The work was gifted to the Royal Academy in 1829
- The sculpture has been valued at £100 million
- The Royal Academy is seeking to reduce annual costs by £8 million
- Nearly half of Royal Academy staff face potential redundancy
- The Observer reported on the debate in a Sunday article
- A Royal Academy spokesperson denied any plans to sell collection works
Entities
Artists
- Michelangelo
Institutions
- Royal Academy
- The Observer
Locations
- England
- United Kingdom