Trending Now - Italy Purchases Caravaggio Painting for €30 Million

WHO:

Italy's Culture Ministry

Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli

Baroque painter Caravaggio, also known as Michelangelo Merisi

Maffeo Barberini, a nobleman who later became Pope Urban VIII

Art critic Roberto Longhi

WHAT:

Italy has purchased a rare portrait by Caravaggio for 30 million euros (approximately $35 million)

This purchase is one of the largest state investments ever for a single artwork

The portrait depicts Maffeo Barberini in his 30s, dressed as a cleric of the Apostolic Chamber

The painting will enter the permanent collection at Rome’s Palazzo Barberini

The acquisition follows a recent purchase of Antonello da Messina’s “Ecce Homo”

WHERE:

Rome, Italy

Palazzo Barberini

WHEN:

The painting was painted around 1598

The painting was attributed to Caravaggio in 1963

The purchase was announced on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026

WHY:

The purchase is part of Italy’s broader project to strengthen national cultural heritage and prevent major artworks from being acquired by private collectors

Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli stated the painting is of “exceptional importance” and strengthens the presence of Caravaggio’s works in Italian public collections

HOW:

The painting was acquired from a private collection after over a year of negotiations

The work was made famous by Roberto Longhi in his 1963 article “The True ‘Maffeo Barberini’ of Caravaggio”

(UPDATED March 11, 2026 15:11 UTC)

Italy has made a significant cultural investment by purchasing a rare portrait by Caravaggio for 30 million euros, which is one of the largest state investments ever for a single artwork. The painting, depicting Maffeo Barberini in his 30s, will be added to the permanent collection at Rome’s Palazzo Barberini and follows the recent acquisition of Antonello da Messina’s “Ecce Homo.” Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli emphasized the painting's exceptional importance in strengthening the presence of Caravaggio's works in public collections and safeguarding national cultural heritage.