Galleria Regionale della Sicilia (Regional Gallery of Sicily), Palermo

The Regional Gallery of Sicily, located within the stately Abatellis Palace (Palazzo Abatellis) in Palermo, serves as a central repository of Sicilian art spanning from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. Abatellis Palace, a grandiose late fifteenth-century residence built in the Catalan-Gothic style by Francesco Patella (also known as Abatellis), originally functioned as a noble residence before being converted into a Benedictine convent upon the owner's death. Architect Matteo Carnalivari was commissioned for its construction, which features a large atrium and a portico on one side.

Since 1954, the palace has housed the Regional Gallery of Sicily, which was given a specialized exhibition space design in 1957 by the renowned Italian architect Carlo Scarpa. The gallery is revered as Palermo's finest art museum, providing deep insights into the evolution of Sicilian art through its extensive collection.

Among the gallery's most distinguished works is the "Triumph of Death," a powerful fifteenth-century fresco by an unknown artist. This large depiction portrays Death as a demonic skeleton astride a withered horse, wielding a scythe and leaping over its victims. This image dramatically captures the stark contrast between the affluent, self-indulgent aristocracy and the impoverished spectators, vividly encapsulating the social divisions of the time. The fresco is meticulously restored and prominently displayed to maximize its dramatic impact.

Another significant piece is Antonello da Messina’s "L'Annunciata" (Virgin Annunciate), a masterpiece from 1473 that blends Italian and Flemish artistic influences. This work, along with others such as the delicate bust of Eleonora d'Aragona by Francesco Laurana, highlights the gallery's role in preserving and showcasing iconic works from the Italian Renaissance.

The gallery's collection also includes medieval Sicilian art, late medieval crosses, vases, artifacts from the Arab period, and paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries, making it a pivotal institution for understanding Sicilian cultural and artistic heritage. The Regional Gallery of Sicily not only preserves these invaluable works but also provides a context that reflects the historical and social narrative of Sicily through the ages.