In December 1969, the Museum of Fine Arts announced the acquisition of an unknown and un-catalogued painting attributed to Raphael. Boston’s coup made headlines around the world. Soon afterward, an Italian art sleuth began investigating the details of the painting’s export from Italy, challenging the museum’s right to ownership. Simultaneously, experts on both sides of the Atlantic debated its authenticity.
Belinda Rathbone, daughter of Perry Rathbone, the director of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston from 1955 to 1972, will discuss her book: The Boston Raphael: A Mysterious Painting, an Embattled Museum in an Era of Change, and a Daughter’s Search for the Truth at the Clark Art Institute on Sunday, April 26th at 3 pm.
Belinda Rathbone digs into the background of the affair as it was reported in the popular press, revealing the power struggle within the museum that led to Perry Rathbone’s resignation.
