As I predicted here on Jan. 4, the National Gallery in London has chosen Gabriele Finaldi to succeed Nicholas Penny. The NG made the announcement this morning, saying:
Dr Finaldi will take up his new position 17 August 2015. Current Director, Dr Nicholas Penny announced his retirement in summer 2014.
Dr Finaldi, a British citizen, is currently Deputy Director for Collections and Research at the Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid where he has been since 2002. He was formerly a Curator at the National Gallery, London between 1992 and 2002 where he was responsible for the later Italian paintings in the collection (Caravaggio to Canaletto) and the Spanish collection (Bermejo to Goya).
Finaldi, who is 49, was born in London; he studied art history at Dulwich College and then at the Courtauld Institute of Art.
Here’s a link to the press release.
My sources say he has done a superb job running the Prado–his job as deputy director is essentially the director, who is a political appointee, I believe. Finaladi oversaw the Prado’s expansion and a staff reorganization, raised its international profile, boosted research and conservation and presented many rewarding exhibitions.
I don’t know him personally, but I hope to meet him at some point.
Photo Credit: Photo © Sergio Enriquez-Nistal