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Image Source: Carabinieri for the Protection of Cultural Heritage via CNN.
A painting produced by artist Sandro Botticelli was recently discovered at a home in southern Italy, according to CNN. Italian authorities estimate that the painting, originally commissioned by the Roman Catholic Church in 1470, could be worth at least €100 million (approximately $109 million).
Botticelli’s painting depicts the Virgin Mary holding a baby Jesus on her lap. It is believed to be one of the final paintings that Botticelli produced before he died in 1510.
The story of how the painting wound up in the Italian home dates back to the early 1900s. At that time, the painting hung in a church in the Naples suburb of Santa Maria la Carità. In 1982, an earthquake damaged the church. This prompted the parish to give the painting to a local family for safekeeping.
Local authorities kept tabs on the painting in the first few years it was in the family’s possession. However, for some reason, authorities stopped doing so in the 1990s.
The painting was ultimately listed on the Italian Ministry of Culture’s list of missing works despite the fact that it had remained in the family’s possession the entire time. It is unclear how or why local authorities lost track of the artwork. There is an official decree that indicates the family was asked to hold the painting, so there will be no criminal investigation.
Italian Ministry of Culture officials indicated that the painting will need to be restored, which will take at least a year. After the restoration is complete, the painting could be displayed in one of Naples’ national museums.
Those who want to view other collectibles relating to Botticelli can see thousands of items in the WorthPoint Price Guide.
Dan Kobialka is a self-employed content writer and editor with about a decade of experience. He produces content across a wide range of industries, including antiques, insurance, and real estate. To learn more about Dan, please visit his website.
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