June 22, 2009
On loan: (probably) Michelangelo's first painting
“The Torment of Saint Anthony” may not seem obvious subject matter for a first painting, especially by a 12- or 13-year old, but in this case, the novice was most likely Michelangelo.
The painting is now on loan to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which undertook its conservation, including varnish removal. The Met’s technical examination included infrared reflectography that revealed how the artist modified the image from the original Martin Schongauer engraving, which the painting is based on.
“If the picture is indeed the real thing,” the New York Times writes, “it’s quite a catch, being one of only four known easel paintings by Michelangelo, and the only one in an American collection.
The work is the centerpiece of a small temporary exhibition at the Met called “Michelangelo’s First Painting.” The painting will be on loan to the Met from the Kimbell Art Museum of Fort Worth until Sept. 7.
Image credit:
Michelangelo Buonarroti (Florence 1475-Rome 1564)
The Torment of Saint Anthony, ca. 1487-88
Oil and tempera on panel, 18 1/2 × 13 3/4 inches
Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth
Photograph: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Provided to NewYorkology by the Metropolitan Museum of Art
June 22, 2009 10:27 AM in Museums, Sightsology, Upper East Side
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