In what is being described as a UK first, a new exhibition of classic Italian paintings by Da Vinci, Caravaggio, Raphael, Modigliani, and Francesco Hayez will go on display – in NFT form.
Instead of displaying the originals, digitised versions of the works will be displayed on screens inside handcrafted replicas of the original frames at Unit London as part of the exhibition, ‘Eternalising Art History’.
It will be the first in a series of three exhibitions of digital artworks to be presented at the Gallery in Mayfair.
The digital displays used in the exhibition have been produced in partnership with Italian cultural institutions including the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. The NFTs displayed, which are set for sale at the exhibition, are limited to nine and have been created with Italian digital artwork firm Cinello.
The price range of the works is said to be between £100,000 – £500,000, with half of the net revenue put toward Uffizi Gallery’s conservation efforts.
Joe Kennedy, Director of Unit London said the new technology could allow for increased audiences, revenue and footfall for the museums as well as further finances for conservation efforts.
“Since its inception, Unit London has been dedicated to spearheading innovation in the industry and exploring ways that art can bridge the gap between physical and virtual experience, for the benefit of artists and audiences alike,” he said.
The boom in NFTs has left in its wake some confusion about precisely what they are and their use in cultural institutions and broader society.
Last month, Advisor spoke with the company behind the British Museum’s move to NFTs to better understand how they work in practice.
