Newly Discovered Velazquez, Goya Headline Old Master Sales in London
- November 30, 2011 10:53
A previously unknown Velazquez portrait is the center of the Old Master Paintings auction to be held on December 7 at Bonhams in London. The bust-length portrait of an unknown sitter is expected to sell for 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 pounds. The painting was one of a group acquired from the estate of the 19th century British artist Matthew Shepperson. It is possible that the portrait is of Philip IV's Master of the Hunt, Juan Mateos.
Andrew McKenzie, Director of Old Master Paintings at Bonhams, states, "This is an extraordinarily beautiful portrait which after extensive research we believe to be by the hand of Velázquez. We expect there to be great interest from around the globe as works by this master so rarely come to auction."
The painting was confirmed as a Velazquez by Dr. Peter Cherry, Professor of Art History at University of Dublin, and Velazquez specialist.
Another rare-to-market painting to be auctioned at Christie's International in London on December 6 is a portrait by Francisco Goya of Don Juan Lopez de Robredo, the embroiderer of King Carlos IV of Spain.
This work is valued around 4,000,000 to 6,000,000 pounds, and last appeared at auction in 1992, but failed to sell.
(Report: Alisa Alexander for ARTFIXdaily)
