For generations, a family in Jaén, Spain, displayed a large religious painting in their living room without realizing its true significance. Now, the artwork has been identified as a masterpiece by the 17th-century Baroque Flemish painter Anthony van Dyck. The painting, titled "The Presentation of the Baby Jesus to Saint Barbara," has been authenticated by a Madrid art company and is under consideration for a potential multimillion-dollar sale to the Museum of Fine Arts of Seville.
While the family remains anonymous and has not released images of the painting, the work underwent careful restoration following its authentication. A number of auction houses have expressed interest in selling the painting, but the family has a preference for it to remain in Seville, where they currently reside.
Seville had a notable Flemish presence in the 17th century, which could explain how the painting ended up in the family's possession. Although the painting's exact value remains uncertain, Anthony van Dyck's previous works have achieved significant prices at auction. The Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest, purchased one of his pieces for over £5 million ($7.5 million) in 2018, while his last self-portrait set an auction record of £8.3 million ($13.25 million) in 2009.
Van Dyck's rediscovered works have seen mixed results at auction in recent years. While some have sold for substantial sums, others have faced challenges in finding buyers. This rediscovery highlights the ongoing excitement and intrigue surrounding lost or forgotten works of art, as well as their potential value.
