Lost Caravaggio Found in Attic
Imagine Finding a Painting Worth $134 Million When Cleaning Out the Family Attic
Read more about the controversy that is surrounding the amazing find due to a leaking roof:
When the homeowners of a house near Toulouse, France went to investigate a leaky attic they were in for a big surprise. A big surprise that could be worth $134 million dollars.
They found a large canvas, 56in x 69in, that appears to have been painted by one of the greats of the Italian Renaissance, Caravaggio.
Despite the threat of leakage overhead, the canvas, which was discovered in 2014, appears to be very well preserved. The painting depicts the story of the beheading of the general Holofernes by Judith.
Many experts believe it is the work of Caravaggio. Not everyone is convinced this is really a “Caravaggio in the Attic” as it has been dubbed.
Several experts, including Eric Turquin believe it to be a creation of the Milan-born artist:
Speaking to reporters, the painting expert Eric Turquin said it could be worth as much as €120m (£96m), describing the work as having “the light, the energy, typical of Caravaggio, without mistakes, done with a sure hand and a pictorial style that makes it authentic”.
Other experts have attributed the painting to a Flemish artist, Louis Finson, or another talented artist, possibly painting in the Caravaggian style.
Whether a Caravaggio or not, it appears the painting won’t be leaving France any time soon. The country will not allow the painting to leave the country for 30 months while the origins are under investigation. This will allow many of the French national museums to study the work and consider if they wish to acquire the painting.
Caravaggio painted another canvas by the same name, close to the same period. Comparing the two works is very interesting.
Another long-lost painting by the master, Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy, was also found in 2014. That painting was found in a private collection. The now authenticated painting is currently on display with other works by Caravaggio in Tokyo.
Read the original article about the Caravaggio in the attic on the Guardian
Photo of the “Caravaggio in the Attic” courtesy of the Guardian.
Photo of Judith Beheading Holofernes circa 1598 courtesy of the Caravaggio Foundation
