Caravaggio: Italian state acquires the Portrait of Maffeo Barberini for public collections

Caravaggio: Italian state acquires the Portrait of Maffeo Barberini for public collections

The Ministry of Culture has completed the purchase of the Portrait of Monsignor Maffeo Barberini, attributed to Michelangelo Merisi, known as Caravaggio. The deed was signed on 10 March 2026 by Minister Alessandro Giuli. The work will become state property and will be assigned to the Gallerie Nazionali di Arte Antica, where it will be permanently displayed at Palazzo Barberini in Rome.

Dated to around 1598–1603, the portrait depicts Barberini as a young member of the Roman Curia. Decades later he became Pope Urban VIII, a central figure of Baroque Rome and an important patron of the arts. Portraits firmly attributed to Caravaggio are rare in the corpus of his authenticated works, making this painting an important document of his approach to portraiture and the emergence of a modern portrait language.

The painting spent many years in a private collection; the attribution to Caravaggio was established in a 1963 study by Roberto Longhi. Recently the work returned to public view in Rome and was the subject of scholarly attention before negotiations—lasting more than a year—led to the state's acquisition. Valued at roughly €30 million, this purchase is part of a broader strategy to strengthen public collections and prevent the export or privatization of national masterpieces.

Key facts

• Artist: attributed to Michelangelo Merisi (Caravaggio)
• Work: Portrait of Monsignor Maffeo Barberini
• Date: circa 1598–1603
• Deed signed: 10 March 2026
• Reported value: approx. €30 million
• Assigned to: Gallerie Nazionali di Arte Antica, permanent display at Palazzo Barberini (Rome)

Public access and cultural impact

The addition of this portrait to the state collection enriches the Caravaggio display at Palazzo Barberini and gives visitors access to a rare example of the master's portraiture. The acquisition reflects public policies aimed at preserving and promoting Italy's artistic heritage by making significant works available to a wider audience rather than allowing them to remain in private hands or leave the country.

For practical details on visiting, opening hours and guided tours, consult the official website of the Gallerie Nazionali di Arte Antica or the Ministry of Culture's institutional channels.