Italy’s culture ministry has purchased the double-sided panel painting *Ecce Homo* by Antonello da Messina for $14.9 million through a private agreement with Sotheby’s. The artwork, which was scheduled for auction in New York last week, was withdrawn just before bidding began. The acquisition prevents the painting from entering a private collection and secures it as part of Italy’s public cultural heritage.
The panel features an image of Christ crowned with thorns on one side and Saint Jerome on the other. Created around 1460, it is one of approximately 40 surviving works by the Sicilian Renaissance artist, known for combining Flemish oil painting techniques with Italian Renaissance style. The painting’s small size suggests it was used for private devotion.
**Why this matters**
Antonello da Messina’s works are extremely rare, and this piece was likely the last of his paintings remaining in private hands. By acquiring it, Italy preserves an important example of 15th-century art and ensures public access to a key work that illustrates the artist’s influence on Mediterranean art history. The painting’s future display location is still being decided, with several major Italian museums under consideration.
Source: NewsData