The Italian state has reportedly acquired Antonello da Messina's Ecce Homo, which was scheduled to be auctioned at Sotheby's with an estimated value of $10-15 million. The information comes from credible sources. Announcing the acquisition was the Federico Zeri Foundation of Bologna with a post on its Facebook page: “Just hammered at Sotheby’s auction, from today the Ecce Homo is property of the Italian State". Those who followed the auction know that the picture was not sold, but rather withdrawn, which is common when a major private negotiation is underway. The rumor was given a patina of officialdom by Costantino D'Orazio, director of the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria and the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna, who wrote a post on his Facebook page (which has since been deleted). "A new Antonello da Messina has returned to Italy, thanks to the Ministry of Culture. Those who work at the Ministry know how difficult it is for the Italian State to participate in an auction, but this time the State acted ahead of the curve, securing a true masterpiece through private talks and even achieving a better price. Thanks to the colleagues who managed the operation, to the Minister who wanted it, and to the owner who accepted the idea that the work return to Italy, earning less than he could have". The transaction is likely to cost around 12 million euros.