Santa Fiora appeals to bring Luca della Robbia's Madonna back from Sotheby's auction
The town of Santa Fiora in Tuscany has requested the Italian Ministry of Culture to bring back a Madonna and Child created by Luca della Robbia, which is scheduled for auction at Sotheby's in New York on January 28, with an estimated value between $700,000 and $1 million. This terracotta relief, measuring 47.2 x 38.9 cm, showcases white figures set against a blue backdrop. It originally belonged to Santa Fiora until 1866, after which it was sold to Léon Mathieu Henri de Somzée in 1867. The piece changed hands several times before being acquired by the Albright Art Gallery in 1929. Mayor Federico Balocchi is advocating for its return to potentially display it in the Museo di Palazzo Sforza.
Key facts
- Santa Fiora appeals to repatriate Luca della Robbia's Madonna and Child from Sotheby's New York auction.
- The work was commissioned by the Sforza family of Santa Fiora around mid-15th century.
- Auction date: January 28, as part of Master Paintings & Sculpture Part I.
- Estimate: $700,000–$1 million.
- Dimensions: 47.2 x 38.9 cm, terracotta with white figures on blue background.
- Provenance: Santa Fiora church/convent until 1866, then sold to Léon de Somzée, later to Bottenwieser, then to Albright Art Gallery in 1929.
- Mayor Federico Balocchi calls for help from collectors, entrepreneurs, and the Culture Ministry.
- Work could be displayed at Museo di Palazzo Sforza alongside Sforza Cesarini collection.
Entities
Artists
- Luca della Robbia
Institutions
- Sotheby's
- Albright Art Gallery
- Albright-Knox Art Gallery
- Ministry of Culture
- Museo di Palazzo Sforza
- Comune di Santa Fiora
- Sforza family
Locations
- Santa Fiora
- Monte Amiata
- Grosseto
- Tuscany
- Italy
- New York
- Buffalo
- Florence
- Belgium
- Berlin