Sgarbi attacks Italia Nostra over Vitruvian Man loan suspension
Vittorio Sgarbi criticizes Italia Nostra for obtaining a TAR suspension of the loan of Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man from the Accademia di Venezia to the Louvre. He argues the drawing is not fragile, is rarely exhibited (seen by only six people per year), and that the loan agreement includes two Raphael masterpieces in exchange: the Portrait of Baldassarre Castiglione and the Self-Portrait with a Friend. The temporary suspension, pending a ruling on October 16, undermines the cultural diplomacy effort led by former minister Dario Franceschini and French minister Franck Riester. Sgarbi warns that a negative ruling could cause France to withdraw the Raphael loans, harming both countries.
Key facts
- Italia Nostra obtained a TAR suspension of the loan of Leonardo's Vitruvian Man to the Louvre.
- The drawing is housed at the Accademia di Venezia and is rarely exhibited, seen by only six people annually.
- The loan was part of a cultural exchange agreement for two Raphael paintings from the Louvre.
- The ruling is temporary, with a final decision expected on October 16.
- Vittorio Sgarbi supports the loan, calling Italia Nostra's action 'myopic' and 'retrograde'.
- Former minister Dario Franceschini and French minister Franck Riester negotiated the exchange.
- The Raphael paintings to be loaned to Italy are the Portrait of Baldassarre Castiglione and the Self-Portrait with a Friend.
- Sgarbi warns that a negative ruling could lead France to cancel the loan of the Raphael works.
Entities
Artists
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Raffaello Sanzio
- Vittorio Sgarbi
- Francesco Bonami
- Giulio Manieri Elia
Institutions
- Italia Nostra
- TAR
- Accademia di Venezia
- Louvre
- Istituto centrale del Restauro
- Ministero dei Beni Culturali
- Scuderie del Quirinale
- Palazzo ducale di Urbino
- Artribune
Locations
- Venezia
- Italia
- Francia
- Roma
- Urbino