A small church in holds a stunning secret: a painting believed to be a Botticelli copy is revealed as an authentic work from his studio!

Rediscovered Masterpiece: New Findings on a Painting Once Believed to Be a Botticelli Copy

A small church holds a stunning secret: a painting believed to be a Botticelli copy is revealed as an authentic work from his studio! 🌐 #News #Lifestyle #Art #History

ST. PAUL, MN – A small church in France holds a remarkable secret that challenges centuries of assumptions about a painting once thought to be a mere copy. Located in the St. FĂ©lix church of Champigny-en-Beauce, this artwork, depicting the Virgin Mary with St. John the Baptist and the infant Christ, was believed to be a 19th-century imitation of a piece by the renowned Italian Renaissance artist Sandro Botticelli. However, recent analysis has unveiled a much more intriguing story: the painting was actually created in Botticelli’s studio.

Unveiling a Hidden Masterpiece

The painting in question has been a part of the church’s collection since the 1800s and closely resembles another work by Botticelli, painted around 1490. Until recently, church officials assumed it was a later copy, but a thorough restoration and analysis conducted in 2023 have radically changed this narrative.

Experts employed advanced imaging techniques to examine the painting and discovered that it was produced by multiple artists who worked in Botticelli’s workshop. Notably, Botticelli himself may have contributed to the finer details of the Virgin Mary’s face, which displays a softness and precision that stands apart from the other figures.

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Groundbreaking Analysis Confirms Authenticity

In an extensive comparison, researchers from the National Center for Research and Restoration in French Museums studied the St. FĂ©lix painting alongside Botticelli’s original and another studio version.

Their findings confirmed that all three paintings utilized egg tempera and oil paint, each featuring a similar two-coat gesso base. This solidified the conclusion that the church’s painting was indeed authentic and directly connected to Botticelli’s studio.

The origins of this painting first came into question around 2010 when art historian Matteo Gianeselli noted its striking resemblance to Botticelli’s work. His insights led to further investigation, and in 2021, both paintings were showcased together in an exhibition at the MusĂ©e Jacquemart-AndrĂ© in Paris.

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A Renaissance Legacy Revisited

Art enthusiasts will soon have another opportunity to see these remarkable works side by side. The upcoming exhibition, “Botticelli: Two Madonnas at Chambord,” is set to open at the ChĂąteau de Chambord, where the St. FĂ©lix painting will be on loan for two years.

The original piece will come from the Uffizi Galleries in Florence. Pierre Dubreuil, the general director of the Domaine National de Chambord, expressed excitement about the exhibition, highlighting the significance of these paintings as a testament to the enduring influence of the Renaissance in the Loire Valley.

“Botticelli: Two Madonnas at Chambord” will be on display from October 20, 2024, to January 19, 2025, inviting visitors to explore the legacy of one of art history’s most celebrated figures. This discovery not only enhances our understanding of Botticelli’s work but also emphasizes the rich artistic heritage that continues to thrive in the heart of France.

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