X-rays reveal Boldini painted three versions of Franca Florio portrait on same canvas
X-ray examinations have disclosed that Giovanni Boldini created three iterations of his renowned portrait of Donna Franca Florio on a single canvas, challenging a belief held for over a century. Currently displayed at the Vittoriano in Rome, this artwork was previously thought to have at least two versions. Experts from Casa d'Aste Bonino found that the initial 1901 version had been painted over. Beneath the final 1924 portrait, which Baron Rothschild acquired between 1927 and 1928, is a silhouette featuring distinct details. An image from Boldini's studio captures a transitional phase. The established narrative has been reversed. The auction, which stirred controversy in Palermo, commenced with a €750,000 bid on April 15.
Key facts
- X-ray analysis revealed three versions of Boldini's portrait of Donna Franca Florio on the same canvas.
- The painting is currently on view at the Vittoriano in Rome as part of a Boldini retrospective.
- The original 1901 version was painted over, not lost as previously believed.
- The final version dates to 1924 and was acquired by Baron Rothschild between 1927 and 1928.
- A photograph from 1908-1912 shows an intermediate stage without the chair and with a slipped shoulder strap.
- The traditional story that Ignazio Florio rejected the first version as too revealing has been disproven.
- The black velvet dress worn by Donna Florio is preserved at the Galleria del Costume di Palazzo Pitti in Florence.
- An auction at Casa d'Aste Bonino in Rome on April 30 has drawn controversy; the first bid was €750,000.
- The painting was displayed at the Grand Hotel Villa Igea in Palermo until the hotel's bankruptcy.
- Matteo Smolizza, Director of the Paintings and Drawings Department at Bonino, explained the findings.
Entities
Artists
- Giovanni Boldini
- Franca Florio
- Ignazio Florio
- Gabriele D'Annunzio
- Helga Marsala
Institutions
- Vittoriano
- Casa d'Aste Bonino
- Grand Hotel Villa Igea
- Società Acqua Marcia
- Galleria del Costume di Palazzo Pitti
- Biennale di Venezia
- Artribune
Locations
- Ferrara
- Parigi
- Roma
- Palermo
- Firenze
- Venezia
- Italia