to close shortly thereafter due to problems of humidity and inadequate skylights. It re-opened in 1929, but was again closed during World War II when the collections were dispersed and put in storage. It did not re-open until 1959. Further structural problems with the gallery forced its closure in the 1970s for urgent repair work. The collections were again dispersed for safe-keeping, and some of the works stored in the academy were lost in a serious theft in 1984. The gallery finally re-opened in 2005. The works on display range from the 17th to the mid-20th century. The oldest painting is by Jusepe de Ribera (1591 – 1652), but the museum is particularly noted for its collection of 19th-century works including those from the School of Posillipo, many of whose artists had been students and professors at the academy. In 2007, the museum's Gipsoteca, a collection of plaster casts of important sculptures, like The Thoughtful girl ("Bimba pensosa") by Giovanni De Martino and reliefs, was opened to the public. It contains over 70 pieces displayed thematically in four rooms. See also List of academies of fine art in Italy References Bruno, Nick (2009). Frommer's The Amalfi Coast & Bay of Naples With Your Family. John Wiley & Sons. Cassese, Giovanna (2013). Accademie patrimoni di belle arti. Gangemi Editore. De Fusco, Renato (2004). Facciamo finta che: cronistoria architettonica e urbanistica di Napoli in scritti critici e polemici dagli anni '50 al 2000. Liguori Editore. Iannitto, Maria Teresa (1990). Guida agli archivi per la storia contemporanea regionale: Napoli. Guida Editori. External links Art schools in Italy Educational institutions established in 1752 Universities and colleges in Naples Buildings and structures in Naples 1752 establishments in the Kingdom of Naples 1752 establishments in Italy