Glasgow’s famous Dali painting to be loaned out to the Vatican for major event
GLASGOW’S most famous painting is to be loaned to the Vatican.
Christ of Saint John of the Cross, housed at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, is to be sent on loan next year.
Councillors are being asked to approve the loan to an important and historical Vatican museum.
The painting is to be loaned to the Vatican Dicastery of Evangelization for display at the Church of San Marcello a Corsa in Rome.
The museum is overseen directly by Pope Francis.
If agreed it will be loaned to the Vatican between May 14 and June 23, for the Arts Events of Jubilee 2025 with an opening event on May 13.
A report to be considered by councillors states:
“The painting will be displayed alongside the original drawing by St John of the Cross, and Dali’s The Assumpta Corpuscolaria Lapislazulina ( 1952).
“Although both paintings by Dali have been seen together before, this presents an important opportunity to see both works, designed as part of a close series, together in an ecclesiastical context and, uniquely, with the original drawing by St John.
“Collectively these three artworks provide the context for an analysis of the dialogues, readings and experiences which led Dali to propose his interpretation of the Christian faith’s central event as rendered in Glasgow’s Dali.”
The painting will be insured by the Vatican for the duration of the loan.
In a report to councillors Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life, said:
“The loan brings wider international attention [ to] Glasgow’s cultural wealth as a city, with museums and galleries housing collections of international significance and vibrancy.”
The painting has been in Glasgow since 1952 when the Glasgow Corporation purchased it for £ 8,200.
Today, it is thought to be worth more than £ 60 million and is regarded as the most treasured painting in the country. It is currently on loan in Dali’s hometown of Figueres, Spain.