An anonymous British collector bought a delicate sketch for less than £1,000 at a Parisian auction in 1989, suspecting it was the work of an unknown but talented artist.
The 8.7in by 6in drawing remained hidden until the owner sought out some information on its provenance. A debate ensued as experts quibbled over whose hand was behind the drawing of a man in a toga on a throne. The argument’s conclusion means the upcoming sale of the work will be held in a charged atmosphere, quite different to when it last changed hands in a Paris hotel.
The piece, Study of Jupiter, has come to be regarded as “possibly the earliest” surviving drawing by Michelangelo, with a price tag of €2 million. Experts believe
