9 million), according to ministry statements. The ministry said this represents one of the state's most significant investments in a single artwork and is one of the country's biggest investments in a painting ever. The painting was secured from a private collection after over a year of negotiations, though the exact identity of that private collection has not been disclosed.
The specific terms or conditions involved in the year-long negotiations also remain unclear. The painting dates from around 1598 and was attributed to Caravaggio in 1963. The work was made famous by art critic Roberto Longhi in his 1963 article 'The True 'Maffeo Barberini' Of Caravaggio' and has since been widely recognised by critics as a work by Caravaggio.
Longhi called the painting 'one of the founding moments of modern portraiture', emphasising how Caravaggio ushered in a new psychological intensity. However, it is unknown whether there are any competing attributions or doubts about the painting's authenticity among art historians. The painting depicts Maffeo Barberini, who later became Pope Urban VIII.
The portrait depicts the future pope in his 30s, dressed as a cleric of the Apostolic Chamber, at a crucial moment in his rise to power. Culture minister Alessandro Giuli said, 'This is a work of exceptional importance,' noting the painting was a turning point in Caravaggio's modern rediscovery and its purchase has helped strengthen the presence of his works in Italian public collections. The acquisition is part of Italy's broader project to strengthen the national cultural heritage, making some art history masterpieces accessible to scholars and the public.
Caravaggio revolutionised painting at the turn of the 17th century by introducing a dramatic use of light that became the cornerstone of the Baroque style. Caravaggio is currently one of the most studied artists in the world, yet the number of his confirmed works remains extremely limited. The painting will join the permanent collection at Rome's Palazzo Barberini.
At Palazzo Barberini, the portrait will be displayed alongside Caravaggio's other works, including 'Judith Slaying Holofernes', purchased by the Italian state in 1971. How this €30 million price compares to other recent major art acquisitions by Italy or other countries has not been specified, and any conservation or restoration work planned for the painting before public display remains to be announced.