What's happened
Two significant artworks, a painting by Helen McNicoll and a portrait by Pablo Picasso, have been authenticated after years of obscurity. Both pieces highlight the importance of female artists and the enduring legacy of Picasso, with their values estimated in millions. The stories of their discoveries reveal fascinating journeys of art history.
What's behind the headline?
Impact of Rediscovered Art
- Cultural Significance: The resurgence of McNicoll's work emphasizes the recognition of female artists in history, potentially inspiring future generations.
- Market Value: Both paintings are expected to fetch millions at auction, reflecting the high demand for quality art, especially from renowned artists.
- Art Historical Context: These discoveries contribute to the understanding of the artists' lives and the periods they represent, enriching art history.
Future Implications
- Increased Interest: The authentication of these works may lead to more discoveries of lost art, encouraging collectors and historians to explore overlooked pieces.
- Auction Dynamics: The anticipated auction results could influence market trends, particularly for works by women artists and lesser-known pieces from major artists like Picasso.
What the papers say
According to BBC News, David Taylor, who discovered McNicoll's painting, expressed his excitement about the find, stating he believed in its value from the start. The Guardian highlighted the journey of Luigi Lo Rosso's family in authenticating Picasso's work, noting the painting's estimated value of around €6 million. Metro reported on the family's long struggle to validate the painting, emphasizing the significance of the signature confirmation by experts. These contrasting narratives illustrate the diverse paths to art authentication and the emotional connections families have with their discoveries.
How we got here
The recent authentication of two artworks, one by Canadian artist Helen McNicoll and another by Pablo Picasso, showcases the ongoing interest in lost art. McNicoll's painting was rediscovered at an auction, while Picasso's portrait was found in a family home in Italy, both revealing the hidden narratives of their creators.
Go deeper
- What is the significance of McNicoll's painting?
- How did the family authenticate Picasso's work?
- What are the auction expectations for these pieces?
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Milan is a city in northern Italy, capital of Lombardy, and the second-most populous city in Italy after Rome. Milan served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire, the Duchy of Milan and the Kingdom of Lombardy–Venetia.
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Italy, officially the Italian Republic, is a sovereign country consisting of a peninsula delimited by the Alps and surrounded by several islands. Italy is located in south-central Europe, and is considered part of western Europe.
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Pablo Ruiz Picasso was a Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist and theatre designer who spent most of his adult life in France.