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A recently rediscovered drawing by renowned Renaissance master Michelangelo sold for 27.2 million dollars at a United States auction on Thursday, setting a new record for works by the artist. The small red chalk study of a foot is one of approximately 50 preparatory sketches Michelangelo created for the Sistine Chapel, among his most celebrated works.
Christie’s auction house in New York announced that the Michelangelo drawing sold for nearly 20 times its low estimate following an intense 45-minute bidding war. The auction house did not disclose the identity of the buyer.
Authentication of the Michelangelo Drawing
Christie’s confirmed the drawing’s authenticity as a genuine Michelangelo work after the owner submitted a photograph through the auction house’s online appraisal portal. An expert subsequently verified that the sketch represents the right foot of a figure located in the easternmost section of the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
According to Andrew Fletcher, Global Head of Old Master Paintings at Christie’s, the authentication process revealed an exceptional piece with a remarkable story. The discovery highlights how significant artworks can still surface through modern digital appraisal channels, connecting owners of valuable pieces with expert authentication services.
Rarity and Significance
Only approximately 10 Michelangelo drawings remain in private hands, making this sale particularly significant for collectors. The rarity of available works by the Italian master means opportunities to acquire authentic pieces occur extremely infrequently on the open market.
Fletcher noted in a statement that the auction attracted bidders participating in person, by telephone, and online. He emphasized that this represented likely the only opportunity collectors would ever have to acquire a preparatory study for what many consider the greatest artwork ever created.
Record-Breaking Sale Price
The 27.2 million dollar sale price surpassed the previous record for a Michelangelo drawing, which stood at 24.3 million dollars. The dramatic increase demonstrates the continuing strength of the market for Renaissance masterworks, particularly those with direct connections to iconic commissions like the Sistine Chapel.
Additionally, the sale price reaching 20 times the low estimate indicates exceptional demand among wealthy collectors for authenticated works by the Renaissance genius. The competitive bidding war lasting 45 minutes suggests multiple determined participants were willing to pay premium prices for this rare acquisition opportunity.
Historical Context
Michelangelo created these preparatory studies as part of his meticulous process for painting the Sistine Chapel ceiling between 1508 and 1512. The red chalk technique he employed allowed him to refine anatomical details and positioning before transferring designs to the monumental frescoes overhead.
Meanwhile, the survival of approximately 50 preparatory sketches for the Sistine Chapel provides scholars and art historians with invaluable insight into Michelangelo’s creative process. However, the vast majority of these precious drawings reside in museum collections, making private sales extraordinarily rare events.
In contrast to more common prints or later copies, authentic preparatory drawings by Michelangelo offer direct evidence of the artist’s hand and thought process. These works on paper demonstrate his mastery of human anatomy and his careful study of form and proportion.
The auction house has not announced whether additional details about the drawing’s provenance or the owner’s identity will be released. Similarly, authorities have not confirmed whether the work will remain in private hands or eventually enter a museum collection.
