Palazzo Abatellis
Built in the fifteenth century, Palazzo Abatellis was constructed as a luxurious home by the prefect of Palermo, Francesco Abatellis, to reflect his wealthy status. Nestled among the mean backstreets of Palermo, the Catalan-Gothic palace is a welcome surprise, and now houses the regional art gallery.
The paintings and sculpture on display include some real jewels. Most dominant is Trionfo della Morte (Triumph of Death). This vast fifteenth-century fresco is by an unknown artist, and may have once been displayed in a local hospital. Apocalyptic in nature it depicts death in the form of a skeleton on a horse striking down nobles and peasants alike in a Europe that had undergone the Black Death. Most famous among the artworks is Sicilian painter Antonello da Messina’s Virgin Annunciate that is the Renaissance artist’s best work. A meditative portrayal of a young, Sicilian girl as the Madonna interrupted by the Angel of the Annunciation, the painting was innovative in its realism, and has an important place in the history of art.
Along with exquisitely painted medieval crosses and religious works of art, the most striking pieces are the gallery’s many Renaissance marble sculptures by father and son Domenico and Antonello Gagini that elevate their humble sitters to an otherworldly status. The sculptures’ white stone almost seems soft as you look at the delicate features and skin of the subjects portrayed in a realism that nods to the influence of Michelangelo.
The Gallery is open every day from 9 am until 1 pm, and on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 2.30 pm until 7 pm. Open on holidays from 9 am until 1 pm.
Admission
Standard Ticket €6
Reduced €3
Cumulative ticket €7 (reduced: €4) admission also to Palazzo Mirto
Cumulative ticket €10 (reduced: €5) admission also to Archaeological Museum A. Salinas.
Cumulative ticket €12 (reduced: €6) admission also to Archaeological Museum A.Salinas and Palazzo Mirto.
Admission free for European Comunity citizens under 18 and over 65.
Contact tel: +39 091 6230011
Cost adult ticket: £1 - £5 pp, child ticket: Free
Useful links
Musdo Regionale Abatellis
Added 2008/07/14 @ 16:04:05
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