Metropolitan Museum Acquires Lost Rosso Fiorentino Painting
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has acquired 'Madonna and Child with Saint John the Evangelist,' the earliest known painting by Mannerist master Rosso Fiorentino, which had been lost for centuries. The painting was rediscovered after a recent conservation treatment that revealed the figure of Saint John, confirming its identification as a seminal work described in Giorgio Vasari's 'Lives of the Artists.' This acquisition enhances the Met's collection of 16th-century religious paintings and underscores Rosso's significance in the development of Mannerism.
Police Investigate DJ's Controversial Remarks at Biennale
Police in New South Wales are investigating comments made by DJ Zubeyda Muzeyyen, known as DJ Haram, during the opening night of the Sydney Biennale on March 13, following a complaint from the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies. The complaint alleges that Muzeyyen's remarks, which included references to 'long live the resistance' and 'oppose the vile Zio-Australian-Epstein empire,' could incite hatred and breach Australia's criminal code regarding terrorism. The Biennale has stated it was unaware of the specific content of her performance and is conducting its own internal review.
National Gallery Sees Visitor Increase but Faces Deficit
London's National Gallery reported 4.2 million visitors in 2025, a 29% increase from the previous year, but still 31% below its pre-Covid level of 6 million in 2019. The gallery's struggles are attributed to a significant decline in international visitors, which were approximately 1.7 million lower than in 2019, prompting plans for staffing cuts to address an £8.2 million deficit. In contrast, the Natural History Museum became the UK's most-visited attraction with a record 7.1 million visitors, surpassing the British Museum's 6.4 million.
Major Van Dyck Exhibition Opens in Genoa
A major exhibition titled "Van Dyck: The European. The Journey of a Genius from Antwerp to Genoa and London" opened at Palazzo Ducale in Genoa, showcasing approximately 60 works by Flemish artist Anthony Van Dyck, including pieces from prestigious institutions like the Louvre and the Prado. Running from March 20 to July 19, 2026, the exhibition emphasizes Van Dyck's six-year period in Italy, highlighting how his exposure to Renaissance and Baroque masters influenced his development of a refined portrait style that later captivated the court of King Charles I.
Kimberly Belflower's Play Premieres at Royal Court Theatre
Playwright Kimberly Belflower's new comedy-drama, 'John Proctor is the Villain,' premieres at the London Royal Court Theatre, featuring Molly McFadden as Bailey Gallagher, a 24-year-old high school guidance counsellor. The play, set against the backdrop of the #MeToo movement, explores the reinterpretation of Arthur Miller's character John Proctor through the lens of contemporary scandals. McFadden, who graduated in 2022 and was a finalist in the 2025 Spotlight Prize, has recently moved to the UK to pursue her acting career.
