Porcini

Porcini Gallery, Naples. Courtesy Porcini, Naples

Napoli Nobilissima was founded by Vincenzo Porcini in 1969, in front of the Academy of Fine Arts in Naples.

Twenty years later, together with his sons Dario and Ivana, the gallery was moved to the famous premises of the historic Palazzo De Majo in Piazza Vittoria 6, specializing in painting and sculpture of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, with a particular interest in Neapolitan and international artists active in Italy.

Porcini
Porcini Gallery, Naples. Courtesy Porcini, Naples

After becoming Galleria Porcini, the gallery was transferred to the large frescoed rooms on the piano nobile, acquiring international scope under the direction of Dario Porcini, who stimulated the activity with continuous cultural exchanges and vibrant professional endeavors. His wide experience in the field, which sees him engaged daily with ancient collections, new enthusiasts, historians and researchers, allows him to represent a point of reference for all his clients in matters of attribution and restoration, successfully discovering, acquiring and selling unique, important pieces, now found in private collections, foundations and museums.

Porcini
Porcini Gallery, Naples. Courtesy Porcini, Naples

Galleria Porcini participates in the two most important international exhibitions of Old Master paintings, TEFAF in Maastricht and the Biennale of Palazzo Corsini in Florence.

“I draw constant inspiration, personal and professional, from Naples, its history and its culture. ”

In conversation with Dario Porcini

What is your background?

I grew up surrounded by art; I don’t remember a specific point at which I decided to take this path. It happened naturally, without me realising it. I enjoyed being with my father while he worked, visiting the homes of Neapolitan collectors, chock full of valuable objects and paintings ripe for study. It was thrilling to see the satisfaction in my father’s eyes when I made my first correct observations. And, in all honesty, I can’t even imagine what else I could have become, if not an antique dealer.

Vincenzo Porcini. Courtesy Galleria Porcini
Why did you choose this city?

I’ve been chasing works of art for thirty years, driven by the desire to understand them and, when possible, trace them back to their original contexts. I still look with wonder at all of the art produced in Naples during its golden centuries, painting and sculpture alike, and I share my family’s special passion for 18th-century Nativity scenes. I draw constant inspiration, personal and professional, from Naples, its history and its culture.

Galleria Porcini, Palazzo De Majo, piazza Vittoria 6, Naples
What is the value for contemporary society of art on display in galleries? What is the role of the gallerist in Italy today?

I believe that art is of value to society now more than ever and I like to think that it is almost a human necessity, albeit often unwittingly. The dialogue between user and artwork, whether old art or new, has been impoverished in this liquid digital age, but the gallerist has the power to revive it, becoming its mediator.

Your gallery’s first show: would do it again just the same?

I remember my first exhibition like it was yesterday. It was in December 2003 and I presented an evocative exhibition of painting and sculpture on the theme of the Adoration of the Shepherds, which I had heavily researched. This common thread brought together paintings by different artists from 17th- and 18th-century Naples and two priceless Nativity scenes.

Would I do it again? Yes, exactly how it was, thanks to the invaluable contribution of the director Roberto De Simone. His arrival at the opening was thrilling, a once-in-a-lifetime moment that I will truly never forget.

Read the full interview

Artists

  • Giuseppe Bonito
  • Giovanni Baglione
  • Pietro Cavaro
  • Giuseppe Cesari detto Cavalieri d'Arpino
  • Battistello Caracciolo
  • Antonio del Castillo
  • Guillame Courtois
  • Michelangelo Cerquozzi
  • Francesco De Mura
  • Jusepe de Ribera
  • Andrea De Lione
  • Gaspare diziani
  • Aniello Falcone
  • Luca Giordano
  • Dirk Hendricksz
  • Nicolas Regnier
  • Salvator Rosa
  • Francesco Solimena
  • Gaspare Traversi
  • Gaspar van Wittel