La Collezione Vicino Orientale del Museo Barracco di Roma nei cataloghi d’asta dell’Hôtel Drouot

This article focuses on the historical framework of the Italian and French collectors, with special regard to the collection at the Barracco Museum. This is specifically analyzed with reference to its relation with the near-eastern regions and its role in the Parisian art market. The research conducted in auction catalogs of the Hôtel Drouot has allowed us to gather new information on the collection. Thus, starting with verified reports and records taken from the collection, it was possible to identify new data regarding G. Barracco’s acquaintances and his purchases, which were probably conducted through intermediaries. In particular, a special relevance is attached to an Assyrian relief whose origin was previously unknown in scholarly literature and that the author identifies as a part of the Barracco collection thanks to a mention in one of the Drouot catalogs.