Alitalia Sells Off Art

Embattled Italian airline Alitalia has sold off some of the art that once hung inside its first class cabins and lounges. The Italian national airline filed for bankruptcy last year and this sale was part of the breakup of the assets. A group of Italian investors have continued on with the brand, relaunching it with a new terminal in Rome.

The auction included paintings by Futurist artists like Giacomo Balla and Enrico Prampolini and works by Italian artists. One piece that didn't sell was a Gino Severini piece "Zeus Gave Birth to the Sun" said to be valued at 500,000 euros. That piece may be sold privately. Overall the auction brought in 1.2 million euros.