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??
