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Caravaggio Portrait of Future Pope Urban VIII Goes on Public Display in Rome

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For the first time since its discovery over 60 years ago, a portrait by the renowned Baroque artist Caravaggio is on public display at Rome’s Palazzo Barberini. This rare artwork, depicting Monsignor Maffeo Barberini—later Pope Urban VIII—will be exhibited from November 23, 2023, to February 23, 2025.

Background on the Portrait

The painting, attributed to Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio in 1963, has been privately held and unseen by the general public or even most art specialists until now. It is one of the few surviving Caravaggio portraits, as many of his works have been lost or destroyed over time. The artwork portrays Barberini seated, gesturing with his right hand as though issuing commands. Experts believe it was created around the turn of the 17th century, preceding Barberini’s papacy, which began in 1623.

Curator Paola Nicita described the piece as having an “almost magnetic power,” emphasizing the significance of experiencing it in person rather than through photographs.

Significance of the Display

The portrait’s unveiling takes place at the National Gallery of Ancient Art in Palazzo Barberini—a historic venue closely tied to Urban VIII. The palace, constructed during his papacy by renowned architects Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Carlo Maderno, remained under Barberini family ownership until after World War II.

Thomas Clement Salomon, Director of the National Galleries of Ancient Art, highlighted the painting’s historical and artistic importance, noting its status as a masterpiece of the chiaroscuro technique, which Caravaggio famously used to bring his subjects to life.

Caravaggio’s Legacy

Caravaggio, who died in 1610 at just 38 years old, is celebrated for his dramatic use of light and shadow and his revolutionary approach to realism. His works have influenced generations of artists, and his portraits are particularly rare, making this exhibition a landmark event in the art world.

This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to engage with a significant piece of Caravaggio’s oeuvre while celebrating the enduring legacy of the Barberini family in the arts.

 

Maine Attic Painting Sells for $1.4M: Could It Be a Long-Lost Rembrandt?

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During a routine house visit in Camden, Maine, auctioneer Kaja Veilleux discovered a 17th-century portrait in an attic, which has now become a major sensation. The painting, depicting a young woman in a cap and ruffled collar, was initially estimated to be worth between $10,000 and $15,000. However, it fetched an astounding $1.4 million at auction.

The painting’s potential attribution to Dutch master Rembrandt was suggested by a label on the frame, which claimed the piece had been loaned to the Philadelphia Museum of Art in 1970. Despite this claim, the museum has been unable to confirm the painting’s history, indicating that the label alone does not verify the artwork’s authenticity.

Thomaston Place Auction Galleries listed the portrait as “After Rembrandt,” indicating it could be a copy or inspired by the artist’s style, rather than an original work. The auction saw intense bidding, driven by speculation that the portrait might indeed be a genuine Rembrandt.

Rembrandt scholar Gary Schwartz has expressed a high likelihood that the painting could be by the master, citing its resemblance to a similar portrait at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. Schwartz also noted that the painting was included in a 1969 catalog of Rembrandt’s work, although its authenticity was questioned even then.

Art historian Volker Manuth, while acknowledging the painting’s potential, remains skeptical of the attribution to Rembrandt. He suggested that the painting’s value might increase if it were confirmed to be an authentic Rembrandt, potentially reaching up to $15 million, though this would require thorough investigation.

The painting’s sale price reflects the high stakes in art authentication, where significant sums are often paid on speculation. The painting’s future value could rise even further if new research supports its attribution to Rembrandt. For now, the portrait remains a captivating mystery in the art world.