The Getty in Los Angeles secures a painting by Parmigianino

The J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles has finally succeeded in finalizing the purchase of the Madonna and Child, St. John and St. Mary Magdalene, recognized by experts as a work by Parmigianino (the opinion of art historian David Ekserdjian, a specialist on the artist from Parma, who dated the work to the last phase of the painter’s career, was decisive): after several months of waiting, the U.S. museum will be able to take possession of the work.

The painting had ended up on the market, but was subject to English laws on the export of cultural property: owned by a private individual (the Dent-Brocklehurst family originally from Gloucestershire), it was purchased by the Getty through Sotheby’s, which handled the negotiation, for a figure of 24.5 million pounds (about 28 million euros). English law, however, provided for a “standstill” period in order to allow British museums to be able to bid: the National Gallery, which at first seemed interested in the purchase, then decided to withdraw as it was interested rather in other acquisitions. Since no other British museum was willing to bid, after the export deferral deadline (which fell on June 9) the painting will be eligible for an export license to leave England after nearly 250 years.

Speaking to The Art Newspaper, which first broke the news, Getty Museum director Timothy Potts said the acquisition represents “a rare opportunity to enrich our collection with a masterpiece by one of the greatest Italian artists of the 16th century.”

Image: Parmigianino, Madonna and Child, St. John and St. Mary Magdalene (c. 1535-1540; oil on paper transported on panel, 75.5 x 59.7 cm)

Source: The Art Newspaper

The Getty in Los Angeles secures a painting by Parmigianino

Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.