Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
Imagine finding a priceless painting in your attic or basement. That’s what happened to a family in Wales, who had no idea that they owned a rare Botticelli masterpiece until they decided to sell their house.
The painting, which depicts the Madonna and the Christ Child holding a pomegranate, was initially thought to be a copy of the famous “Madonna of the Pomegranate” by the Italian Renaissance master Sandro Botticelli, which is on display at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. The painting had been hanging in the family’s home for over 60 years, and they had inherited it from an ancestor who was an art collector.
However, when the painting was examined by English Heritage, a conservation charity that manages historic properties and artworks, they realized that it was not a copy, but an original work from Botticelli’s workshop. The painting had been covered by a thick layer of yellow varnish, which obscured its true colors and details. After cleaning and restoring the painting, the experts were amazed by its quality and beauty.
Rachel Turnbull, English Heritage’s Senior Collections Conservator, said: “I noticed instantly that the painting bore a striking resemblance to the workshop of Botticelli himself; stylistically it was too similar to be an imitation, it was of the right period, it was technically correct and it was painted on poplar, a material commonly used at the time.”
The painting was dated to around 1487, the same year as the Uffizi version, and was likely produced by one of Botticelli’s assistants, who would have followed his design and instructions. Botticelli was one of the most influential and sought-after artists of his time, and he ran a large and busy workshop in Florence, where he produced paintings for wealthy patrons, churches, and public buildings. He is best known for his mythological paintings, such as “The Birth of Venus” and “Primavera”, as well as his portraits and religious scenes.
The painting was exhibited at the Ranger’s House in London, a Georgian villa that houses the Wernher Collection, a remarkable collection of medieval and Renaissance art. The painting was displayed alongside other works by Botticelli and his contemporaries, such as Filippo Lippi and Domenico Ghirlandaio.
The discovery of the painting was a rare and exciting event for the art world, as Botticelli’s paintings are extremely scarce and valuable. In 2017, his “Portrait of a Young Man Holding a Roundel” sold for a record-breaking $92.2 million at Sotheby’s in New York, making it one of the most expensive paintings ever sold at auction.
The painting also sheds light on the artistic practices and techniques of the Renaissance period, as well as the symbolism and meaning of the pomegranate, which was a common motif in Botticelli’s works. The pomegranate represents the passion and resurrection of Christ, as well as the unity of the Christian church. It also has associations with fertility, abundance, and marriage, which may explain why Botticelli painted several versions of the Madonna and the pomegranate for his clients.
The painting is a testament to the enduring legacy and influence of Botticelli, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest artists of all time. It also shows that sometimes, art can be found in the most unexpected places, and that there may be more hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.
