Saturday, February 27, 2010

Sketch by Raphael Found in Drawer

An unknown Raphael sketch has been discovered in a London home, where it is thought it may have been hidden for more than 100 years, in a drawer, mixed in with a number of random Italian sketches in a folder.
The unsigned drawing, Head Of A Child, was recognized by a Sotheby's expert as she looked through the folder of sketches. The sketch is expected to fetch up to £70,000 when it is auctioned. The drawing, which dates back to about 1505, is Raphael's first sketch to be auctioned in seven years.


A Sotheby's spokeswoman said the family who own the house may have bought it as collectors as far back as the 19th Century. It was spotted by Cristiana Romalli, an expert in Old Masters who said she immediately recognized it as a Raphael.
She said: "It was beautifully executed, and the combination of stylus and red chalk spoke to me immediately of Raphael. "I was astonished. I could hardly believe that a work by so major an artist could really be here, so unexpected, and with no indication whatsoever of any previous attribution." She said the sketch was drawn between the Early and High Renaissance periods.


It is still possible to find treasures in this jaded old world. Imagine the thrill of finding a five hundred year old drawing by a brilliant master painter. Why can't I find a Rembrandt in my attic? Is that asking too much??

3 comments:

  1. Hi Nee,

    Brian is still doing okay.He is very ill and weak and he is not quite right in his mind. It is so fogged by drugs.
    The biopsy proved that the tumor was cancer.Now we wait and see if it has spread anywhere else.In the meantime we hold him close to our hearts and treasure every minute we can spend with him.

    The family has drawn much closer together and Steve has become the head of the family. I can see that he is becoming the new 'Rock'that we all lean on. Like father like son.

    We are pretty wrung out emotionally and tired after all the nights spent at the hospital.

    But we are proud of our cousin who won a gold medal with her team.I hope you were cheering for her.That is her third gold medal.

    Well old friend I am off to bed. All the best to you and your family.Remember life is fragile, so live every minute to the fullest...Affectionately PIC

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  2. Anonymous10:12:00 AM

    Hi Jeannie
    So glad to hear the good news that Brian is doing okay.
    His mind is fogged by drugs to help keep the pain away.
    It's so good to hear the family have drawn much closer together and Steve have taken control of the family.
    Yes, in the meantime hold Brian close to your hearts, you will be able to carry him home so you care really spoil him.
    It's so good to hear that Steve stepped up to the plate and took over the job of caring for the family...like father like son...well you and Brian did a great job with Steve sweetie.
    Steve may have become the Rock of the family that everyone can lean on, what a great and strong guy.
    "BRIAN" will always be your "ROCK" for a lot of different reasons and you know what I'm talking about.

    I understand that ya'll is wrung out emotionally and tired from the days and nights spent in the hosiptal.But praise God that things are looking up.
    We are praying with your family that you take Brian home to spoil and haby him real soon and Maxy will get his bed buddy back.
    Get some rest now and I will rememmber life is fragile , I have learn a lot from you dear friend, take care and get some rest and I will be on the river bank waiting with my pole.
    We are praying for the best...get some rest dear friend.
    Lots of love from your friend......Nee

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  3. Anonymous10:15:00 AM

    AWwwwwwwwwww PIC you know we all was pulling for your cousin and her team to win...at least you and your family got a small piece of joy. Bout time.

    Love you ....NEE

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