Trained as a painter in Florence, Stefano Bardini began collecting in the 1870s and also acted as an important dealer in old masters. Bardini also conducted well received restorations of frescos. Four sales of portions of Bardini's collection were held prior to his death. In 1922, the Italian state began to acquire his palazzo and its remaining contents, which became the Museo Bardini.
Bibliography
1923
Bode, Wilhelm von, "Stefano Bardini," L'Antiquario X (1923):1-2
1970
Towner, Wesley. The Elegant Auctioneers. New York, 1970: 320-321.
1996
Turner, Jane, ed. The Dictionary of Art. 34 vols. New York and London, 1996: 3:228.