Rubens' painting may become the most expensive work of art sold at an auction in Poland
The 17th-century "Portrait of a Lady" by Peter Paul Rubens will be put under the hammer during the auction at DESA Unicum, which will take place on March 17.
"The painting has an extraordinary history, it is unique in the world. We have a painting of a great European master with such great provenance," Tomasz Dziewicki, head of the Early Art department at DESA Unicum, said.
The painting shows a young woman with dark eyes and hair, dressed in a black velvet dress. For over 300 years, the painting was considered a portrait of Isabella Brant, Rubens' first wife. Currently, it is believed that it may represent one of her sisters. Another hypothesis is that the model was a member of the Duarte family, influential Jewish jewelers in 17th-century Antwerp. Characteristic jewels, which are part of a woman's outfit, can speak for it. Recent restoration of the work, technological and stylistic-attribution research confirmed Rubens' authorship with the participation of his workshop.
It is estimated that the painting may be sold for PLN 18-24 million.
(Onet.pl)
