A significant event unfolded during London’s Classics Week as Sotheby’s auction house achieved remarkable success with the sale of “The Virgin and Child Enthroned,” an early work by the renowned Renaissance artist Sandro Botticelli. This masterpiece, which had been privately owned for over a century, captivated bidders and sold for a staggering £9.96 million, establishing it as the fifth most expensive Botticelli ever auctioned.
The painting, also known as the “Wantage Madonna,” had been previously attributed to Botticelli’s workshop. However, recent technical analysis, including X-ray and infrared reflectography, confirmed its authenticity as an early work by the master himself. The painting’s connection to Botticelli’s 1470 Sant’Ambrogio altarpiece suggests its intended purpose as a private devotional piece.
The auction saw intense competition among nine bidders, ultimately driving the final price well beyond its low estimate of $2.5 million. This extraordinary result highlights the increasing demand for exceptional works by Old Masters, particularly those with strong provenance and artistic significance.
While Sotheby’s New York holds the record for the most expensive Botticelli ever sold, with “Portrait of a Young Man Holding a Roundel” fetching $92.1 million in 2021, the recent London sale underscores the enduring appeal and value of the artist’s work. Sotheby’s Old Master evening sale, featuring 25 lots, achieved a total of £24 million, surpassing its high estimate and marking a 25% increase compared to the previous year.