Art World Alight: Newly Authenticated Michelangelo Drawing Set for Historic Sale

The art world is abuzz with anticipation as a newly authenticated Michelangelo drawing is about to go on the market—an exceptionally rare opportunity for collectors and institutions alike to acquire a work by the Renaissance master. Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475–1564), renowned for his monumental contributions to Western art, including iconic sculptures like David and the breathtaking frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, produced relatively few drawings during his lifetime. Each discovery of a new sketch sends ripples through the art world, and this latest unveiling is no exception.

Art World Alight Newly Authenticated Michelangelo Drawing Set for Historic Sale
Michelangelo, Study of Jupiter (ca. 1490). Courtesy of Dickinson.

The drawing, now recognised as the earliest known work by Michelangelo, is set to enter the market for the first time since its discovery over 35 years ago. Its attribution was confirmed following its appearance in the Budapest Museum’s 2019 exhibition, The Triumph of the Body, finally putting to rest decades of scholarly debate. Previously, the Louvre held the record for the oldest known Michelangelo drawing—a depiction of two figures after Giotto, created between 1490 and 1492.

Titled Study of Jupiter, this drawing dates back to Michelangelo’s formative years and marks an extraordinary chapter in his early artistic development. When an anonymous British collector acquired the piece at auction in 1989, it was still unattributed, its true significance yet to be realised. The turning point came when former Louvre conservator André Le Plat examined the drawing, which depicts the god Jupiter enthroned, based on the known marble fragment Jupiter Enthroned (1st–2nd century CE). However, Michelangelo’s rendition is far more than a simple study; he imagines the god with a fully formed torso, blending classical inspiration with his own artistic vision.

Originally part of a private European collection, the drawing has been authenticated after a painstaking process. A team of distinguished art historians and Michelangelo scholars spent years investigating its provenance before confirming it as a genuine work by the master. It is now five years since the experts reached a consensus—and now, for the first time, this magnificent drawing is up for sale.

Given the scarcity of Michelangelo’s surviving drawings, with the majority residing in prestigious institutions such as the British Museum and the Louvre, this sale represents an almost unparalleled opportunity for private collectors and cultural institutions alike. The excitement surrounding the auction suggests that the final price could exceed even the loftiest expectations, with interest likely to come from collectors, museums, and art aficionados from around the globe.

Historical precedent supports the likelihood of a record-breaking sale. In 2017, another Michelangelo drawing sold for over £18 million, underscoring the intense demand for works by the Renaissance master. With most of his drawings held in museum collections, where they are likely to remain for the foreseeable future, this event represents one of the last opportunities for private ownership of such a piece.

Michelangelo’s influence on Western art is incalculable. His drawings are cherished not only for their sheer beauty but for the insight they provide into his creative process. Each line, each curve, each shadow offers a glimpse into his artistic genius, revealing how he meticulously developed his larger masterpieces. For historians, collectors, and admirers alike, such works are a window into the mind of one of the greatest artists of all time, and a testament to his ability to breathe life into the human form.

This newly discovered drawing is far more than just a piece of art; it is a living link to one of history’s most transformative periods. It connects us directly to the heart of the Italian Renaissance and stands as a testament to Michelangelo’s enduring legacy. For the fortunate buyer, Study of Jupiter will not only be an extraordinary treasure but also a great responsibility—to preserve one of the final, tangible pieces of Michelangelo’s genius.

London-based Simon Dickinson Gallery is offering Study of Jupiter at Italy’s prestigious 33rd Biennale Internazionale dell’Antiquariato di Firenze (International Biennale of Antiques) in Florence. This esteemed event serves as the ideal platform for the sale of such a historically significant work. With its impeccable provenance, extraordinary craftsmanship, and unrivalled importance, the drawing is expected to attract considerable attention from collectors, museums, and art enthusiasts worldwide.

Art World Alight Newly Authenticated Michelangelo Drawing Set for Historic Sale

The upcoming sale of Study of Jupiter marks a significant moment in the art world. Collectors and institutions are watching closely as the anticipation builds, and the hammer readies to fall on what could become a record-breaking auction. This is more than just the sale of an artwork—it is the passing of a Renaissance masterpiece into the hands of a new custodian, tasked with preserving Michelangelo’s lasting legacy.

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