Painting from bungalow stuns in sale

A 16th-century Italian painting that was found hanging in a North London bungalow during a valuation has sold for £255,000 in a London sale room.

The rare artwork is by a follower of Filippino Lippi (1457-1504) and is a depiction of the Madonna and Child with attendant angels, in a landscape, oil on canvas within a giltwood frame and measuring 50cm x 43.5cm.

Siobhan Tyrrell, Dawsons Head of Valuations, uncovered the rare artwork during a routine visit to value items for potential consignment. She said: “I discovered this painting on a valuation in a North London bungalow. The 90-year-old owner had left Italy in her youth, and when her father died, she inherited the painting. It had been in her ownership for over 30 years.

“Most of the contents of the house were of relatively low value, so when I went into her bedroom I was utterly shocked when I saw this early religious painting hanging above her bed. It literally glowed with quality! I’m not a painting specialist, however as a General Valuer with over 25 years experience, I recognised that it was an exceptional work from the 16th century. I immediately told the family of its potential high worth, and they were keen for me to take it to be consigned to our Fine Art sale.”

The team at Dawsons were delighted with the result, not least because the vendor is suffering from dementia and her family is keen to provide improved care and accommodation for her, which prior to the sale had proved challenging due to the increased costs.