Mantua, March 24, 2026 – The Municipality of Mantua and Marsilio Arte express their deepest condolences for the passing of Antonio Homem, president and co-founder of the Sonnabend Collection Foundation, adopted son of Ileana and Michael Sonnabend, central figures in the history of international contemporary art.

A collector and cultural promoter, Antonio Homem has dedicated his life to protecting and promoting the extraordinary artistic legacy built by Ileana and Michael Sonnabend, making a significant contribution to the dissemination and study of the research that shaped the art of the second half of the twentieth century.

His commitment was crucial to the creation of the Sonnabend Collection Mantova, inaugurated in November 2025 in the restored spaces of the Palazzo della Ragione. Thanks to the collaboration between the Municipality of Mantua, the Sonnabend Collection Foundation and Marsilio Arte, Antonio Homem, together with his son Phokion Potamianos, treasurer of the American foundation, has made accessible to the public a significant selection of the Sonnabend collection, one of the most important private collections of international art of the twentieth century, including works by Bernd and Hilla Becher, Gilbert & George, Jasper Johns, Anselm Kiefer, Jannis Kounellis, Jeff Koons, Roy Lichtenstein, Sol LeWitt, Robert Morris, Bruce Nauman, Michelangelo Pistoletto, Robert Rauschenberg, Mario Schifano, Andy Warhol. With passion and dedication, he supported this project as a place of study, dialogue, and sharing, strengthening his bond with the city of Mantua, which in recognition awarded him honorary citizenship.

The mayor of Mantua Mattia Palazzi declares: «Antonio Homem, honorary citizen of Mantua, deeply believed in the project of the Sonnabend Collection Mantova. His vision and generosity will remain an integral part of this space and the bond we have built together. During his recent stay in the city, accompanied by his son Phokion, he confirmed a lively and sincere relationship with our community».

Luca De Michelis, CEO of Marsilio Arte, says: «With Antonio Homem we shared a cultural project of great value and international scope. We will always remember his passion and dedication in making the extraordinary legacy of the Sonnabend» collection accessible to the public.

Mario Codognato, director of the Sonnabend Collection Mantova, adds: «Antonio has intelligently and sensitively preserved and transmitted the cultural legacy of Ileana and Michael Sonnabend. His passing leaves a great void in the international art community».

The Municipality of Mantua and Marsilio Arte remember Antonio Homem with gratitude and share with affection the grief of his family and all those who knew and esteemed him.

His commitment and passion will live on in the Sonnabend Collection Mantova.