El Greco's legendary The Entombment of Christ is to auction at Sotheby's New York on January 29. The circa 1575 painting is offered from the estate of esteemed collector and dealer Giancarlo Baroni, who was known for his enjoyment of the old masters.
 The oil on canvas carries a $1.5m high estimate |
2012 proved to be a hugely important year for old masters sales, with Raphael's Head of an Apostle becoming the most valuable old master drawing ever sold at auction, when it achieved $47.8m at Sotheby's in December.
A previously undiscovered El Greco entitled Saint Peter also sold with strong results in December, bringing $1.3m at Bonhams - 1,219% up on its presale estimate of $96,689. Both results suggest the market is primed for the impending sale, and that this major work is likely to do well.
Other highlights of the Baroni collection include Giovanni Tiepolo's Mary Magdalene in three quarter view veiled with a white cloth, which carries a $120,000-160,000 presale valuation, and Giovanni Boldini's Lady in a Yellow Hat with her Dog, which has been valued at $200,000-300,000.
Baroni's passion for art was legendary, and his collection offers insight into the mind of one of the pre-eminent collectors of recent years.
Here at Paul Fraser Collectibles we also have a range of excellent art collectibles for sale, including this rare, original piece by modern master Damien Hirst.
For more art news, please sign up for our free weekly newsletter.
