The Met Just Purchased an Exemplary Renaissance Roundel for $23 Million—the Second Most Expensive Acquisition in Its History
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has acquired a $23 million bronze roundel, the institution announced today. The piece, purchased from Daniel Katz Gallery in London, represents the second most expensive acquisition in the institution’s 152-year history. “It is a truly transformational acquisition for the Met’s collection of Italian Renaissance sculpture,” he added.
The U.K. government’s Reviewing Committee barred the roundel’s export, and the V&A was given the opportunity to raise the £7 million required to keep the piece in the country. By the time the museum did so, Sheikh al-Thani had withdrawn his application for an export license. The roundel, therefore, remained in the U.K., but still belonged to the Sheik.
Where was this stolen from? What Nazi extorted it from a Jewish collector?
Imagine how far $23m would go towards the RedCross appeal for Ukraine and elsewhere? All in all, this is slightly obscene, given the destruction of people, places and Art in Ukraine. metmuseum PR needs to do better.