A drawing of Michelangelo awarded 23 million euros at auction in Paris

Dating from the end of the 15th century, this drawing which represents a naked man, standing, framed by two other characters in the background, was made in pen and brown ink.

Le Monde with AFP

A drawing of the sculptor and painter Florentin Michelangelo was sold 23 million euros, with buyer costs, Wednesday, May 18, at Christie’s Paris. This is a record for a drawing of the Italian master, according to the auction house.

dating from the end of the 15th century e century, this drawing which represents a naked man, standing, framed by two other characters in the background, was made in pen and ink brunette.

It had been put up for sale in 1907 at the Drouot Hotel, in Paris, under the classification “School of Michelangelo”, before being awarded to the master in 2019 only, as part of an inventory for A French private collection.

“National Treasury” for French heritage

This auction exceeds the record reached for a drawing by the famous Florentine artist, established so far in July 2000 by the Minerva Christ (8.1 million pounds, or 9.5 million euros) At Christie’s London, according to the auction house.

To the dimensions of an A4 sheet, the drawing sold on Wednesday seems to be inspired by a fresco by the painter Masaccio (the baptism of the neophytes) and illustrates the interest of Michelangelo for the representation of the male body.

/Media reports.