A stunning artistic discovery has rocked the art world. A painting, long thought to be a 19th-century copy, has been revealed to be an authentic work by Sandro Botticelli . Dating back to around 1510, the revelation changes everything.
It highlights the importance of expertise in art history. It also shows the need to re-evaluate our knowledge of the Italian Renaissance .
Virgin and Child with the young Saint John the Baptist, by the workshop of Botticelli, long in Champigny-en-Beauce
The work, a depiction of the Virgin Mary and the baby Jesus, is in the church of Saint-Félix in Champigny-en-Beauce, France. Scientific analyses have proven that it is not a simple copy. It is a creation of Botticelli 's workshop.
Experts have studied Botticelli 's style, technique and iconography. This has allowed it to be attributed to him.
Analysis has shown that several artists from Botticelli's studio worked on this work. Botticelli himself probably painted the face of the Virgin Mary. This collaboration shows the common practice in religious art of the Italian Renaissance .
To celebrate this discovery, an exhibition "Botticelli: Two Madonnas at Chambord" will open on October 19 at the Château de Chambord. Visitors will be able to see this version and the original on loan from the Uffizi Gallery. It will offer a fascinating insight into Botticelli's creative process and his workshop.
Renaissance master Botticelli's lost masterpiece rediscovered
An extraordinary discovery has shaken the art world. A painting of the Virgin Mary, long considered a mere 19th-century copy, has been revealed to be an authentic work by Botticelli. This surprising revelation is the result of an in-depth artistic analysis conducted in 2023.
The rediscovery of a hidden treasure
The work, located in the Saint-Félix church in Champigny-en-Beauce, has been dated to around 1510. This period corresponds to the end of Botticelli's career, the undisputed master of Renaissance painting techniques . Experts used advanced scientific methods, such as microanalysis and X-ray examination, to authenticate the work.
This discovery offers new insight into Botticelli's studio. It appears that several artists contributed to the creation of this painting, with Botticelli himself likely providing the finishing touches. This collaborative practice enriches our understanding of the history of Italian art of this period.
Botticelli's Marian Iconography
Botticelli, born Alessandro di Mariano di Vanni Filipepi in Florence, is known for his unique style. He blends classical themes with innovative aesthetics. His art is characterized by graceful lines and delicate shapes, breathing life into his compositions.
In this depiction of the Virgin Mary, we find Botticelli's typical religious iconography. The delicate treatment of the Christ Child and the grace of the Virgin reflect the distinctive style of the Florentine master. This newly authenticated work will be presented at an exhibition entitled "Botticelli: Two Madonnas at Chambord" at the Château de Chambord.
Botticelli's art continues to fascinate and inspire, centuries after its creation.
This rediscovery underscores the importance of continued research in art history. It reminds us that priceless treasures may still be hidden in plain sight, waiting to be revealed by expert eyes.
Botticelli, painting, Virgin Mary, Jesus, attribution, France, Renaissance, restoration
A painting of the Virgin Mary was discovered in the Saint-Félix church in Champigny-en-Beauce. Art experts were interested in this discovery. It was thought to be a 19th century copy, but it turns out to be a work by Sandro Botticelli, a great Renaissance artist.
Restoration techniques and art expertise were essential in identifying the work. A scientific analysis in 2023 dated the painting to around 1510, just after Botticelli created the original.
Heritage conservation played a key role in the discovery. Researchers compared the work to a similar one at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts in Birmingham. They found similarities in materials and techniques.
The provenance of the artworks was confirmed by pigment analysis. The use of egg tempera, oil and gesso helped confirm the attribution.
Art always has surprises in store for us. This discovery underlines the importance of continued research and meticulous restoration.
Art lovers will be able to see this work at the exhibition "Botticelli: Two Madonnas at Chambord". The exhibition will take place from October 19, 2024 to January 19, 2025, in the chapel of the Château de Chambord.
Importance of the painting of the Virgin Mary for French art collections
The discovery of a work by Botticelli in France enriches French cultural heritage . This painting, dated around 1510, was authenticated in 2023 by French researchers. The scientific study showed the use of Italian Renaissance techniques. This includes the use of two layers of gesso and the addition of zinc and glass grains in the paint.
This prestigious acquisition strengthens the position of the national museums on the international art scene. The exhibition "Botticelli: Two Madonnas at Chambord" will open on October 19 at the Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley. It will present the painting of Saint-Félix alongside the Botticelli original, on loan from the Uffizi Gallery, from October 19, 2024 to January 19, 2025. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to study the international artistic exchanges between Italy and France during the Renaissance.
The presence of these works recalls the influence of Italian artists in the Loire Valley at that time. It stimulates new collaborations between French and Italian cultural institutions, thus promoting cultural diplomacy . The exhibition, enriched with a virtual reality component and educational videos, promises an immersive experience for visitors. This reinforces the appeal of French cultural heritage .
Source links
- https://www.thecollector.com/once-overlooked-painting-botticellis-studio-rediscovered/ - Once Overlooked Painting From Botticelli's Studio Rediscovered
- https://news.artnet.com/art-world-archives/botticelli-studio-painting-2544964 - A Long-Lost Painting from Botticelli's Studio Is Rediscovered in a French Church | Artnet News
- https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/virgin-mary-jesus-painting-france-botticelli-attribution-1234719049/ - Art Historian Attributes Painting of Virgin Mary in France to Botticelli
- https://www.thecollector.com/once-overlooked-painting-botticellis-studio-rediscovered - Once Overlooked Painting From Botticelli's Studio Rediscovered
- https://www.florencelife.co/post/florence-renaissance-maestros - Florence's Renaissance Maestros
Jean Dubreil