Italy Acquires Caravaggio Portrait for €30 Million, Marking One of Its Largest Art Transactions

March 10, 2026 — The Italian government confirmed that it has successfully purchased a rare portrait by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, known as Caravaggio, from a private collection. The artwork, created around 1598, portrays Maffeo Barberini, who later became Pope Urban VIII. This monumental purchase is part of Italy’s ongoing effort to safeguard its artistic heritage and prevent significant artworks from falling into private hands.

The Culture Minister, Alessandro Giuli, emphasized the portrait's "exceptional importance," stating that this purchase would enhance the representation of Caravaggio’s work in public collections. The painting will be added to the Palazzo Barberini in Rome, where it will be displayed alongside other masterpieces by the artist.

The acquisition process took over a year and highlights Caravaggio's lasting influence on art. Known for revolutionizing painting with his dramatic use of light and realism, he is regarded as one of the foremost Baroque artists. This particular work was first publicly exhibited in 2024, generating significant attention for its portrayal of Barberini in his 30s, depicted as a cleric of the Apostolic Chamber.

Caravaggio, who died in 1610, has about 65 confirmed works still in existence, with only three being portraits. The purchase of the portrait aligns with Italy's broader cultural objectives to make its art treasures accessible to the public and scholars.

“It is vital that masterpieces like this remain in public collections for the enjoyment and education of all,” Giuli stated, thanking the various institutions involved in making the acquisition possible.

The "Portrait of Monsignor Maffeo Barberini" is recognized for its artistic significance, which art critics hailed as a pivotal moment in modern portraiture, and it reinforces Caravaggio's legacy as a master of psychological intensity and chiaroscuro.