Imagine stumbling upon a fortune hidden in your own home! That's exactly what happened to a family in Madrid when they discovered that a painting they planned to sell for a mere $1,600 was actually a long-lost masterpiece by the legendary Italian artist Caravaggio, worth a jaw-dropping $40 million! 😱🎨
Originally believed to be the work of a student of Spanish painter José de Ribera, the painting titled 'Ecce Homo'—which means 'Behold the Man'—depicts the moment when Pontius Pilate presents Jesus Christ to the crowd before his crucifixion. The powerful artwork had been hanging quietly in the family's home for over 200 years, its true value a well-kept secret.
Set to be auctioned off in 2021, the family had no idea they were sitting on a goldmine. They expected to make a modest sum and move on. Little did they know, they were about to rock the art world!
But how did this masterpiece slip under the radar for so long? And can you imagine the shock when experts realized it was an original Caravaggio? Talk about the ultimate Antiques Roadshow moment! 🏠💎
Now, 'Ecce Homo' has been rescued from obscurity and is on display in Madrid, allowing art lovers from around the world to marvel at its beauty and history. It's not every day that a lost treasure reappears, reminding us that sometimes, priceless gems are hiding right under our noses.
Next time you're cleaning out your attic, keep an eye out—you never know what treasures you might find! 😉✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
