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Michelangelo’s recently discovered drawing sold for $27.2 million at a U.S. auction on Thursday, setting a new record for works by the leading Renaissance artist, France Press reported.
The small red-chalk sketch of a foot is one of around 50 studies Michelangelo produced for the Sistine Chapel, among his most famous masterpieces, alongside the statues of David and the Pieta.
Christie’s, based in New York, said the drawing sold for about 20 times its low estimate after a fierce 45-minute bidding battle. The auction house did not disclose the identity of the buyer.
Only around 10 drawings by Michelangelo are known to be in private hands.
Christie’s confirmed the work as an original Michelangelo after its owner sent a photograph of it through the company’s online auction valuation portal.
An expert said it depicts the right foot from the figure of the Libyan Sibyl, located at the far eastern end of the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Andrew Fletcher, Christie’s global head of Old Master Paintings, said in a statement: “This was an exceptional piece with a remarkable story.”
Fletcher added: “We received bids from several buyers, whether in the room, by phone or online, because this was likely the only chance collectors would have to acquire a study for what is considered the greatest work of art of all time.”
The previous record for a Michelangelo work was $24.3 million, for a sketch of a nude man with two other figures in the background, sold at Christie’s in Paris.
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