A new work by Donatello arrives at the Bargello National Museum in Florence: the Madonna of Via Pietrapiana, terracotta dating back to about 1450-1455 (86 x 64 x 12.5 cm) becomes part of the collection and can be seen in the Donatello hall, the monumental room that houses the sculptor's cornerstones.
The artist's only autograph work, it was until recently still privately owned, and was purchased by the Ministry of Culture, exercising the right of first refusal in 2021, for 1.2 million. The relief was originally placed in a tabernacle on the façade of the building at number 38 Via Pietrapiana in Florence. The relief had already been declared of historical and artistic interest in 2011. Then in 2021, when the work was presented for authorization for sale on national territory, the Bargello Museums expressed an interest in purchasing it in pre-emption by the State.
After a complex administrative procedure, the purchase was finalized. The Madonna of Via Pietrapiana was recognized as autograph in 1986 by Charles Avery.
"The Madonna and Child in Via Pietrapiana," said Paola D'Agostino, director of the Bargello Museums, "represents an acquisition of exceptional importance for the state's heritage, which was made possible by the collaboration between the various offices of the Ministry of Culture.
From today, the Madonna and Child in Via Pietrapiana will be exhibited alongside the master's other masterpieces and in dialogue with the works of Luca della Robbia, Nanni di Banco and other artists of the 400s, pending a rearrangement of the Salone scheduled for the months of 2024." Superintendent Ranaldi said that "certainly the Bargello Museum with its bronze David by Donatello is the most suitable location. Among the tasks of a museum are the conservation of the works kept, the exhibition to the public, the expanded accessibility, but also, not to be forgotten, the increase of the collections".
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