Rishika Shahi
An incredible discovery has emerged from the unlikeliest of places: a basement. A junk dealer stumbled upon a painting that may be an original work by Pablo Picasso, sparking excitement and speculation about its potential. Experts believe that if authenticated, the artwork could fetch millions at auction.
The Discovery of a Lifetime
The painting was found by Andrea Lo Rosso, whose father had acquired it years ago without realizing its potential significance. “My father was from Capri and would collect junk to sell for next to nothing,” Lo Rosso explained. This serendipitous find has turned into a thrilling investigation into the painting’s origins.
“He found the painting before I was even born and didn’t have a clue who Picasso was. He wasn’t a very cultured person,” Andrea continued. “While reading about Picasso’s works in the encyclopedia I would look up at the painting and compare it to his signature. I kept telling my father it was similar, but he didn’t understand. But as I grew up, I kept wondering.”
Art experts have been called in to assess the painting’s authenticity. “If the attribution turns out to be true, the Lo Rossos can expect to receive a windfall,” noted one art historian. However, authentication processes can be lengthy and complex, and doubts remain about whether it is genuinely a Picasso. The picture in question was discovered in the Capri villa’s basement by junk dealer Luigi Lo Rosso in 1962. It is believed to be a portrait of French photographer and artist Dora Maar, who was Picasso’s lover, according to CNN.
The Potential Value of the Painting
Should the painting be confirmed as an original Picasso, it may be valued at around €6 million ($6.7 million). “This could change everything for us,” said Lo Rosso, reflecting on how life-altering such a discovery could be for his family. The art market has seen significant sales of Picasso works recently, further fueling interest in this potential find.
The picture was appraised by Dr. Cinzia Altieri, a trained forensic graphologist and member of the Arcadia Foundation’s scientific council, at around $6.6 million, according to The Guardian.
“After all the other examinations of the painting were done, I was given [the] job of studying the signature,” Altieri said. “I worked on it for months, comparing it with some of his original works. There is no doubt that the signature is his. There was no evidence suggesting that it was false.”
Pablo Picasso remains one of the most influential artists in history, with his works commanding astronomical prices at auctions. “Picasso’s infatuation took on near-mythic proportions,” as one expert described his relationship with his muses and how they influenced his art. This discovery not only highlights the enduring legacy of Picasso but also serves as a reminder of how art can emerge from unexpected places.
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