A couple of weeks ago, the day our group was in Cefalù, I wandered off on my own. (Hint: Stick with the tour guide, they know about the hidden corners!) The hidden corner I sought after was the Museo Mandralisca–a small collection of art and archeological works that is packed with punch. The punch here is of a masterpiece by renowned Sicilian artist Antonello da Messina (1430-1479). And the painting, pictured, is the gem. It’s of an unknown man, believed to be a wealthy merchant or sailor from Lipari Island, one of the Eolian Islands. The work was painted by Messina in the mid 15th century. Apparently, no one knew it existed until it was “discovered” in the 19th century on Lipari, where it was being used as a cupboard door in a pharmacy. Thankfully now, it’s “hidden” in the museum.
