The mayor of Amiens, northern France. Has asked Madonna to lend the city. A 19th-century painting lost during World War I, believed to have been bought by the singer. To help its bid to become European capital of culture.
Jérôme-Martin Langlois’s “Diana and Endymion” painting. Which depicts the Roman goddess Diana looking lovingly at the handsome Endymion. Was once on display at the Amiens Museum but was lost after Germany bombed the city in 1918.
The French daily Le Figaro reported that the painting, or a very similar one, was sold at an auction in New York in 1989 where Madonna paid $1.3 million for it.
“Diana and Endymion” painting by Jerome-Martin Langlois. Alamy Stock Photo
There was no immediate response from a Madonna spokesperson to an emailed request for comment.
Amiens, where French President Emmanuel Macron was born, is a candidate to become European Capital of Culture in 2028.
“We do not dispute in any way the legal acquisition you have made but we are candidates to be the European Capital of Culture in 2028. So I would like that on this occasion, this year. You can lend us your paintings,” Brigitte said in a video posted on Facebook by the mayor of Amiens. Four spoke.
The painting was commissioned by French King Louis XVIII for the Diane Room at the Palace of Versailles and was purchased by the state in 1873.
Madonna has announced European dates for her “The Celebration Tour” where she will perform in Paris — less than two hours. By train from Amiens — on November 11-12, 2023.
