I am a huge fan of Titian and this story is the stuff for a movie - a small Titian painting has reset the auction record for the famed artist. ‘The Rest on the Flight into Egypt’ (C.1508) sold for £17.6 million at Christie’s Old Masters sale here in London earlier this month. Measuring just 18 by 25 inches, has passed through the hands of emperors, aristocrats, and archdukes.
In 1995, it was again stolen, this time from Longleat, the home of the 4th Marquess of Bath, who had acquired the work from the famous London dealer Colnaghi. Then in 2002 the painting was discovered wrapped in a plastic bag, at a Bus Stop in London in exchange for a £100,000 reward.
It was returned to Longleat and the current Lord Bath has said it was “fabulous” to see the interest in the painting. “As the next chapter in the Rest on the Flight into Egypt’s story is written, I am pleased with the sale outcome which will support our considerable long-term investment strategy at Longleat to build on the vision and legacy of my ancestors for the benefit of future generations.”
So when next in a London Bus Stop have a good look around you!
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All the very best to you all
James
James Nicholls
Nicholls Art group
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