Imagine finding a hidden masterpiece, a secret glimpse into the mind of a genius! A 500-year-old drawing by Michelangelo, depicting a foot, is about to make waves, potentially fetching a staggering $2 million at a Christie's auction next February. This isn't just any sketch; it's a study for the Sistine Chapel ceiling, a piece of art history itself.
This incredible five-inch sketch, titled "The Libyan Sibyl on the Sistine Chapel ceiling" (dating back to 1511-1512), has been tucked away, privately owned by a Northern California collector whose family has cherished it since the 1700s. The seller's name remains a mystery, adding to the allure.
How was this treasure rediscovered? A Christie's specialist, Giada Damen, stumbled upon the red-chalk-on-paper work in a digital photograph. It was part of a routine inquiry, and the drawing was authenticated earlier this year.
"It is the kind of story that inspires both the academic and commercial art worlds," says Andrew Fletcher, the department's global head, "while also capturing the imagination of virtually anyone who encounters it, regardless of their background in art."
Michelangelo initially experimented with pen and ink and black chalk before embracing red chalk for his studies of live models. He is believed to have created hundreds of these drawings, but sadly, many have been lost to time.
This foot study is one of several surviving red chalk drawings, including "Studies for The Libyan Sibyl" in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. These drawings are considered some of Michelangelo's finest work, and while around 600 sheets exist, the vast majority are held in institutional collections.
"The discovery of a study relating to the Sistine Chapel, a work of art that is arguably the keystone of the Italian Renaissance, has been one of the most memorable moments of my career," Fletcher noted.
But here's where it gets controversial...
What do you think? Is the price tag justified? Do you find the rediscovery story as captivating as the art itself? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
