It turns out that if we are talking about Raphael’s canvas, then this is quite possible.
One of the masterpieces of the Borghese gallery – “The Position in the Coffin” by Raphael (1507) was secretly taken from the historical homeland of the city of Perugia to Rome already at the beginning of the 17th century, at the request of Pope Paul V, to subsequently give the painting to his nephew – Shipion Borghese (the future great philanthropist and art collector, whose collection can now be enjoyed in the gallery of the same name). Pavel V substantiated his act with the recollections of his nephew, who often mentioned the picture, which he so loved to admire during his student days in Perugia.
Initially, this work was commissioned by the representative of the ruling Perugia in the 15-16 centuries (family – Atalanta Balloni) in honor of the son who was killed in a family brawl right on the main street of the city.
One must think that in the figure of the lamented Christ sorrow for the deceased young son was to be read, and the whole picture was thus permeated with double meanings and the tragedy of personal loss, which makes Paul V’s trick even more provocative.
Incidentally, he responded to complaints from Perugia by sending them a good copy of the stolen painting.
