Hrag Vartanian

Critic, Curator, Editor-in-chief and co-founder, Hyperallergic

Critic, Curator, Editor-in-chief and co-founder, Hyperallergic

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Kimbell Museum Snags Rare Michaelangelo Painting, Only One in the Americas

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0513anthonylgThe Kimbell’s purchase, The Torment of Saint Anthony (1487-88), will be the only painting by Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564) to enter the permanent collection of a U.S. museum.
Via the Dallas Morning News:
In an extraordinary coup, the Kimbell Art Museum has acquired the earliest known painting by Michelangelo, one of only four easel paintings by the Renaissance master in the world.

And about the work:

The three historical versions agree on these points: Michelangelo was 12 or 13 years old when he became friends with Francesco Granacci, an assistant in artist Domenico Ghirlandaio’s workshop. When Michelangelo expressed an interest in painting, Granacci provided him with an engraving of St. Anthony by German artist Martin Schongauer, as well as brushes, a wood panel and paint.

Michelangelo copied Schongauer’s composition, made some changes to the demons’ faces, positions and skin texture and added the landscape.

I think the painting resembles many other works from the era (though IMHO a little more Northern European than can be expected from an Italian). I guess knowing that a 12 or 13 year old painted it does make it incredible and, of course, now that people are recognizing that the panel is by Michaelangelo, well…I don’t have to explain that…

Comments

  3. I have one of michael angelo sketch that was done by his apprentice. With michael signatures on it… Would like to know of any buyers names.

  4. You can expect any great things from Italians! They were elected the “Most Creative People in the World of Arts” 60% of arts in Europe are in Italy!!!