Michelangelo’s Scribble Sells for $200,000 at New York Auction
A square scribbled on a yellowed piece of paper by Renaissance genius Michelangelo recently sold for an astonishing $201,600 at an auction held by Christie’s in New York. The artwork, which was found stuck to the back of a frame, exceeded its estimated value by 33 times.
The Unexpected Value of a Small Drawing
The small drawing, accompanied by a letter from Michelangelo’s last direct descendant, was initially expected to fetch between $6,000 and $8,000. However, Christie’s revealed that the piece went under the hammer for “33.6 times its low estimate,” without disclosing any details about the buyer.
The artwork itself depicts a block of marble, with the word “simile,” or “similar” in English. It is believed to have been drawn during Michelangelo’s work on his renowned Sistine Chapel ceiling, as confirmed by a Christie’s specialist.
A Fascinating Discovery
The drawing is coupled with a letter written by Cosimo Buonarroti in 1836. In the letter, Buonarroti offers the piece by his “illustrious forefather Michelangelo” to Sir John Bowring, the future governor of Hong Kong. Bowring’s signature appears at the bottom of the sheet, adding to the historical significance of the artwork.
Christie’s specialists made an intriguing discovery when they found the letter and diagram attached to the back of a different drawing that had been in a private collection for decades. While the small drawing is not signed by Michelangelo, extensive research has confirmed that the great Italian artist was indeed responsible for its creation.
A Rare Find
According to Christie’s, fewer than 10 of Michelangelo’s works are thought to be privately owned, with most of his masterpieces housed in the Casa Buonarroti, a museum in Florence, Italy. This makes the recent sale of the small drawing all the more remarkable, as it provides a rare opportunity for art enthusiasts and collectors to own a piece of Michelangelo’s legacy.
The high value of the artwork is a testament to Michelangelo’s enduring influence and the ongoing fascination with his artistic genius. The fact that the drawing was discovered attached to another artwork adds to its intrigue and historical significance.
Overall, the sale of Michelangelo’s scribble for $200,000 at the New York auction showcases the continued appreciation and demand for the works of one of history’s most celebrated artists. It also serves as a reminder of the enduring power of art to captivate and inspire, even centuries after its creation.
