Unknown Donatello sculpture discovered in museum storerooms in Slovakia Automatic translate

The marble bust was thought for decades to be a 19th-century imitation. Research suggests it is likely a genuine work by Donatello, one of the greatest Renaissance sculptors. The bust depicts Cecilia Gonzaga, a noblewoman from Mantua, Italy, and was signed “Opus Donatelli,” adding to the likelihood of authorship.

The bust was previously owned by the Csáky family, a noble family from Hungary and Slovakia with a long history of land ownership in the Spiš region. It is speculated that it may have been passed down through marriages or cultural connections with the Italian aristocracy, although the exact route is unclear.

Marie Novotná, former director of the Spiš Museum, noticed the signature “Opus Donatelli.” Experts from the Slovak Academy of Sciences conducted a detailed analysis, comparing the bust’s style, technique, and materials with famous works by Donatello , such as “Judith and Holofernes” and the tombstone of John XXIII. They also consulted Dr. Giovanni Serafini of the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, but the organization denies official involvement in the attribution, adding to the controversy.

The bust is not on public display and is only accessible via a 3D model. There are concerns about its safety and the museum’s ability to properly care for it, especially after Maria Novotna was fired as the museum’s director without explanation.

Levoca is a small town in eastern Slovakia, founded in the 13th century. The town is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and historical significance, with many of its architectural monuments protected by UNESCO.