A Russian man who says he advertised an apparently “genuine” art work by painter Leonardo da Vinci on a Russian classified ads site (which is similar to eBay) - named "Avito", has now sold the painting for over €72 million. The seller, who goes by the name of “Dmitry”, from Mamonovo in Kaliningrad, says that the painting, titled "A Young Girl in Furs" was authenticated by the Stockholm art valuation firm Atelje Catellani. He later posted up photos of the accompanying documentation alongside the painting, which was seen online on 1 August. When asked for information about how the painting appeared, who owned it, how he came into its possession, and other matters relating to its authenticity - Dimitry decided not to explain how he came to own the work, or questions such as why it is in Germany and of course - who the buyer was. A Da Vinci painting is usually covered expeditiously by the media and the art world upon such a news announcement. However we all agree, this is a departure from the norm, as the posting of it was taken offline after about four days. However it's pretty sure that millions of sets of inquiring eyes have pored over the art work. On first viewing, it would appear to look like a Da Vinci work, although the painting is at an angle and not all the corners of the painting are viewable. The frame is old and in not very good condition. The Stockholm art valuation firm who valued and apparently confirmed its authenticity, Atelje Catellani stated in an email: “There is nobody entitled to offer the painting. A mandate does not exist; nobody has access to the painting.” The email added that the firm Atelje Catellani (which made an annual revenue of $15.3 million, employs 91 staff and was founded as a private company in 1989) was not entitled to share any further information. It goes without saying that this only adds to the overall mystique and excitement surrounding the Da Vinci’s "Salvator Mundi" which previously earned the title of the world’s most expensive painting when it went under the hammer at Christie's, and sold for $450m in 2017. The text of the seller's ad read "“Attention: I am selling the original Leonardo da Vinci painting ‘A Girl in Furs’. Location: Germany... estimated value €280m... asking price €72m.” There is a discrepancy in the original reporting of the painting title, as some posts inserted the word "Young" in the title of the work, while the seller did not. A painting sold through a major art dealer or art auctioneer would have been naturally subject to close forensic scrutiny, and would have had to pass more tests to authenticate it. However, no one is suggesting that this newly sold Da Vinci is not authentic, but perhaps mis-named. But its history might be possibly shrouded in more secrecy or mystery for some reason, since its method of sale is so unusual, unconventional, and more difficult to be transparently explained. The art world has obviously evolved more into the digital age, but the possible suspicion of an online trade, however real it may be, raises eyebrows, and questions. The chance to study and observe a possible master work by a true master of Italian art has been denied to us all. And lets face it, wouldn't we all want to go and see and enjoy another brilliant painting by the man, who left us with so few actual physical paintings. Some Da Vinci's were lost to wars, conflicts and others lost to theft. Some lie in vaults in private collections. Where this painting fits, well that is a whole other very big question. There is more of a story behind this than we can say. Alan Mc Keogh September 2018 Ref Link: http://bit.ly/A_Young_Lady_In_Furs_Da_Vinci
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Alan Mc KeoghI am an artist, web and blog designer, and I enjoy creating art, whether people, still life, or landscapes. I blog and write to grow the masses. Logos are a growing passion here. Come to me, brethren! New projects coming soon. Archives
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