"There are fewer than ten drawings by Michelangelo still in private hands," Hélène Rihal, director of the old drawings department at Christie's, told AFP when the sale of this early work of the genius was announced. of the Italian Renaissance (1475-1564).
Bidding will begin at 2:30 p.m.
Dating from the end of the 15th century, this work has long "escaped the attention of specialists" and testifies to a "beautiful state of conservation", underlined the auction house.
In September 2019, it was declared a "national treasure" for French heritage, which prohibits any exit from national territory for thirty months and gives the French State and its museums the opportunity to buy it back.
No offer having been made during this period, the drawing was exhibited in Hong Kong and then in New York to be presented to collectors before the sale.
This sketch, the size of an A4 sheet, seems to be inspired by a fresco by the painter Masaccio ("The Baptism of the Neophytes") and illustrates the interest of Michelangelo, also a sculptor, for the representation of the male body.
© 2022 AFP