Botticelli’s Last Masterpiece Found in Southern Italy
In a stunning discovery, a valuable painting by the renowned 15th-century artist Sandro Botticelli has been recovered at a home in southern Italy. Authorities had lost track of this Renaissance masterpiece, believed to be worth a staggering £85,000,000, for over 50 years. Forgotten and left to gather dust, this extraordinary artwork has finally resurfaced.
Originally gifted by Botticelli to Pope Sixtus IV, the painting found its home in a church in the town of Santa Maria la Carità. However, it was later entrusted to a local family, who kept it hidden away in their private residence for generations. This family, the Sommas, were tasked with safeguarding the artwork.
The painting, depicting Madonna and a child, is believed to have been donated by Botticelli to a farmhouse in Gragnano, as requested by the Pope. This gesture was an attempt by the Roman Catholic Church to gain favor with the influential Medici family, who owned property in the area.
After years of being lost to the world, the Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage, in a daring operation, seized the Botticelli painting from a property in Gragnano, near Naples. The local Somma family, who had been hiding the artwork, claim that they did so to protect it from art traffickers.
This incredible find has sent shockwaves through the art world, as Botticelli’s last work before his death has finally resurfaced. The painting’s historical significance and immense value make it a true treasure. As experts analyze and preserve this masterpiece, art enthusiasts eagerly await the opportunity to marvel at its beauty once again.
A stunning artwork depicting Madonna and a child has been discovered in a family home near Naples, Italy. The painting, which is believed to be one of the last works by Italian master Botticelli, was found in a deteriorated state with abrasions and chromatic alterations. The mayor of Gragnano, Nello D’Auria, was contacted by Michele Somma, who tearfully revealed the secret of the painting. D’Auria immediately took action to return the artwork to experts for restoration and to ensure it can be enjoyed by the community.
Superintendent Mariano Nuzzo of the Carabinieri, upon receiving the painting, announced that it will be entrusted to a specialized institute of the Ministry of Culture for restoration and study. Botticelli, famous for works such as “The Birth of Venus” and “Primavera,” created this lesser-known masterpiece before his death in 1510 at the age of 64 or 65. The rightful ownership of the painting is currently under investigation by the police, as it has been passed down through generations within the family.
If the family’s ownership is proven legitimate, they may keep the painting, but it could be displayed in a museum for enhanced security. However, if the ownership is deemed illegitimate, the painting will be transferred to the state. Private ownership of works listed in the Italian state’s works of public interest is allowed, as long as the owner ensures the painting’s security, preservation, and care.
Botticelli’s career spanned a range of mythological and religious themes. He gained prominence when he was summoned by Pope Sixtus IV in 1481 to create frescos on the walls of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. Unfortunately, some of his frescos in the chapel were later destroyed to make space for Michelangelo’s iconic work.
