Caravaggio's Portrait of Maffeo Barberini Acquired by the Italian State for €30 Million

A major work joins the public collection

The Italian State has completed the purchase of the Portrait of Maffeo Barberini, attributed to Michelangelo Merisi (Caravaggio), for €30 million. Previously held in a private collection, the painting will be incorporated into the collections of the Gallerie Nazionali di Arte Antica and will be assigned to Palazzo Barberini in Rome.

Purchase details and placement

The acquisition was formalized at the Ministry of Culture with the relevant institutional figures present. Once administrative formalities are complete, the work will become part of the national heritage and be made available to the public through the appropriate museum channels.

Significance

• Art-historical value: the work is considered important for the study of Caravaggio's oeuvre and is recognized by specialists.
• Public access: the purchase prevents the painting from remaining on the private market and ensures access for researchers and the public.
• Cultural policy: the move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the national cultural heritage through targeted acquisitions.

Visitor information

Following the acquisition, the painting is expected to enter the permanent holdings at Palazzo Barberini. For information on exhibitions, visiting hours or research access, check the official Gallerie Nazionali website or contact the museum directly for the latest updates on display and ticketing.