Turin, 9 February (LaPresse) – "The Ministry of Culture confirms the acquisition of Antonello da Messina's painting “Ecce Homo”, leaked by journalists and confirmed by Sotheby's auction house. This is a transaction of the highest cultural significance: we waited a few days to announce it out of respect for the authorities responsible for registering the purchase contract. The work is unique in the Italian artistic landscape of the 15th century and is a fundamental part of our strategy to expand and enhance our cultural heritage, making it available to Italian citizens and visitors from all over the world." This was stated by the Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, confirming the acquisition, through the General Directorate of Museums, “for $14.9 million from Sotheby's – a historic international auction house active in the art market – of an exceptional tempera painting on wood by Antonello da Messina”, according to a statement from the MiC. “The work, of unique rarity and quality, is a small panel painted on both sides: on one side is depicted an intense 'Ecce Homo”, with Christ crowned with thorns, on the other a penitent St Jerome in a harsh rocky landscape,' the statement continues. . ‘The small size and double depiction suggest a private devotional function, also confirmed by traces of use linked to its long history as an object of worship.’
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