A somewhat dingy sight, but nice to brighten up the garden: with that intention a British couple bought the statue of a topless lady at rest twenty years ago. In the meantime, it has emerged that this is a long-lost masterpiece by the Italian artist Antonio Canova. The value of this sculpted Mary Magdalene is estimated between 6 and 9.5 million euros.
Yes, there were already rumors in 2002 that there was more to this work. Still, it remained a big gamble for the couple to put around 6,000 euros on the table during an auction of garden statues.
They then contacted Francis Outred, an art consultant who worked for the Christie’s auction house for ten years. His team eventually uncovered the true history.
Gone off the radar
The ‘Reclining Magdalena’ had disappeared from the radar after the necessary wanderings around 1920. Carpet dealer Herbert Smith turned out to be the last known owner.
101 years earlier, the sculpture had been ordered by then British Prime Minister Robert Jenkinson. It would be one of Canova’s last finished creations.
That is why the price is now soaring. “It’s a miracle that this masterpiece has still surfaced,” said Mario Guderzo. The man has every right to speak as the former director of the Antonio Canova museum in Possagno. “Scientists have been looking for it for decades. Historically, this discovery is critical.”
From London to New York
The sculpture can be admired in London this weekend. This beautiful version of Mary Magdalene then moves to New York and Hong Kong. The climax will follow on July 7, with an auction by Christie’s. The value is now estimated between 6 and 9.5 million euros.
“The way the hands and feet are finished, that slight bend in the fingers,… All typical Canova. The quality is indisputable. This couldn’t have been anything but a master craftsman,” concludes Christie’s associate Donald Johnston.
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