A painting that almost sold at auction three years ago for $1,600 has been revealed to be a lost masterpiece by Italian Baroque painter Michelangelo Merisi from Caravaggio. It will be shown to the public for the first time at the Prado, in Spain, on May 27, according to the Associated Press.
The painting, which depicts Jesus Christ present to the masses shortly before his crucifixion, is titled Ecce Homo and is one of only 60 known works by the artist, said Prado. The image is believed to have once been in the private collection of Philip IV of Spain. Ecce Homo (circa 1605-09) was scheduled to go to auction in April 2021 as a work by student Caravaggio, José de Ribera. However, Spanish authorities halted the sale and subjected the work to an export ban after being alerted by Prado about the image's illustrious provenance.
The consignors were a family from Madrid who had owned the work since the 19th century. After inspection and restoration, the owners received permission to sell the work by the Madrid regional government. According to the Associated Press, the value of the work could reach "tens of millions, if not more."
The new owner, who remains unidentified, chose the Prado for the presentation of the work. Since April 2021, the work has been "in the custody of the Colnaghi art gallery in collaboration with experts" and has been restored by expert Andrea Cipriani "under the supervision of experts from the Madrid regional government".
Ecce Homo will be on display until October, after which it will enter the museum's permanent collection for another four months.