A painting by the Italian Renaissance master Titian, which was once found in a plastic bag at a bus stop stop in London, plan to sell at auction for 32 million dollars.
Christie's auction house estimated the canvas “Rest during the flight to Egypt” at 15-25 million pounds ($19-32 million), writes CNN.
The painting depicts Jesus, Mary and Joseph, who are resting on the way to Egypt, where they went after learning that Herod, the king of Judea, wanted to kill the young Christ.
Titian created the canvas early in his career – in the first decade of the 16th century.
Measuring 46.2 centimeters by 62.9 centimeters, the painting is tiny compared to the massive works for which Titian later became famous.
The work has a remarkable history. It passed from one European aristocrat to another until, during the French occupation of Vienna in 1809, it was stolen by Napoleonic troops and taken to Paris.
The canvas was returned to Vienna in 1815, and it again passed from from one private collection to another before reaching England. In 1995, it was stolen and could not be found for seven years.
Later, the painting was discovered at a bus stop in London by art detective Charles Hill.
“This is the painting that was sought after the mother of aristocrats, archdukes and emperors: it is appreciated for its brightly colored family scene against the background of nature.
Like its plot, the picture “Rest on the way to Egypt” had a long and eventful journey – and this journey is far from over”, – Christie's said in a statement.
The painting will be offered at the Old Masters Part I auction at Christie's in London on July 2.