From Girgenti to Munich. From Munich to Agrigento. The Panitteri Collection: A Journey Through Time and Sicily’s History
From December 18, 2024, to May 18, 2025, the Museo Archeologico Regionale “Pietro Griffo” in Agrigento will host the extraordinary exhibition “From Girgenti to Munich. From Munich to Agrigento. The Return of the Panitteri Craters”. This exhibition marks a special moment in the Sicilian cultural landscape, as it brings back to Agrigento ten precious Greek vases from the 6th and 5th centuries BC, part of the famous Panitteri Collection, which after two centuries in Bavarian collections, finally returns to its land of origin.The Panitteri Collection
The Panitteri Collection, consisting of 47 Attic vases, includes kraters and amphorae decorated with mythological and epic scenes in black and red figures. These vases were collected by the Sicilian priest Giuseppe Panitteri from the necropolises of Agrigento. In 1824, Panitteri decided to sell these pieces to Prince Ludwig I of Bavaria, a passionate collector and supporter of classical arts. The collection was thus transferred to Munich, where it became part of the royal collections. The vases displayed in the exhibition represent a symbolic and physical return to a city that, for centuries, has been a pivotal center of Greek history and Mediterranean culture.The Historical Context and the Trade of Vases and Antiquities in the Early 1800s
In the 19th century, the trade of archaeological artifacts flourished across Europe, fueled by a growing passion for collecting antiquities. Sicily, and particularly Agrigento, with its extraordinary archaeological remains, became one of the main sources of antiquities for European collectors. The sale of the Panitteri Collection to King Ludwig I in 1824 fits within this lively commercial context. Although the transaction enriched Bavarian collections, it also sparked debates about the fate of archaeological artifacts and their dispersion outside of their original context.The Key Figures
The story of the Panitteri Collection involves several key figures. Giuseppe Panitteri, the priest and collector, was the main protagonist in the sale, which allowed the enrichment of Munich’s collections. Raffaello Politi, a Sicilian archaeologist and artist, played a crucial role in facilitating the transaction between Panitteri and the Bavarian emissaries, thanks to his deep knowledge of the local heritage and his network of contacts with European scholars. Leo von Klenze, court architect to King Ludwig I, was another central figure, as he played a key role in coordinating the acquisition of archaeological artifacts for the king and mediating the purchase of Panitteri’s vases.The Vases on Display
The ten vases on display in the exhibition are works of exceptional artistic and historical value. Belonging to the Attic tradition, these vases, dating from the 6th and 5th centuries BC, provide an extraordinary glimpse into the refined artistic skills of the ceramists of the time. Decorated with epic and mythological scenes, the vases stand as a testament to the beauty and craftsmanship of Greek pottery, which continued to influence Mediterranean culture for centuries. The temporary return of these vases represents a unique opportunity for visitors to admire pieces that have been kept far from their homeland for over two hundred years. The exhibition “From Girgenti to Munich. From Munich to Agrigento” not only celebrates the historical and archaeological heritage of Agrigento but also fits within the context of the celebrations for Agrigento as the Italian Capital of Culture 2025. With the return of these vases, Agrigento renews its bond with its ancient history and offers visitors a unique opportunity to reflect on the history of the collection and its impact on the cultural dynamics of 19th-century EuropeGuided Tours: info@sicilytravel.net text/whatsapp: +39.360397930
