Italy Acquires Rare Caravaggio Portrait
The portrait was transferred to Palazzo Barberini in Rome.
The ministry aims to strengthen cultural heritage and prevent artworks from private markets.
The portrait depicts Monsignor Maffeo Barberini, later Pope Urban VIII.
It was authenticated by Roberto Longhi in 1963 and previously in a private Florence collection.
The portrait will be exhibited at Palazzo Barberini in 2024.
The ministry plans to acquire more artworks for scholars and enthusiasts.
Caravaggio's oeuvre includes only 60 paintings, with three known portraits.
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