Caravaggio: Generating Cultural Value through Art Historical Research

Description of impact

John Gash’s research on Caravaggism has generated significant cultural value through international exhibitions, raised the profile of Perth Art Gallery, and brought economic benefits to the commercial art market. First, his ground-breaking discovery of a Caravaggesque work in Perth sparked significant scholarly and public interest. Now usually attributed to Spadarino, one of Caravaggio’s principal followers, the painting has been requested by major national and international galleries for touring exhibitions. This has boosted ticket sales, visitor numbers and revenues. Second, Gash’s connoisseurship has contributed to the commercial art market, most notably in the attribution of the newly rediscovered Judith Beheading Holofernes to Caravaggio himself, which was sold in 2019 for EUR100-150,000,000.

Outcomes to Date / Future Developments

John Gash’s research on Caravaggism has raised the profile of Perth Museum and Art Gallery through enhanced interpretation and increased recognition, generated significant cultural value through international exhibitions, and brought economic benefits to the commercial art market.

Impact status	Impact Completed (Open)
Impact date	2009 → 2020