A striking portrait of Gabrielle de Bourbon (1460-1516) auctioned from the collection of the late art investor Cesare Barbieri for $50,000 on February 10.

The solemn work, which is believed to hail from the 16th century, has not yet been attributed to a specific artist.

However, the rich detail and bold colour use, as well as the sitter's considerable social status, suggest that the piece is the work of a highly skilled and possibly prominent portrait painter.

Portrait of Gabrielle de Bourbon depicts the 26-year-old daughter of Louis I, Count of Montpensier

Having been given a $6,000 high estimate, Gabrielle de Bourbon's portrait exceeded all expectations when it brought $50,000 - up 733.3% on the valuation.

As an unusually large amount of archival material still exists about her life, Gabrielle de Bourbon, the daughter of Louis I Count of Montpensier (1405-1486), remains of considerable interest to contemporary historians.

March is set to be another exciting month for those invested in the art world, with the Mark Birley art collection crossing the block in London.