A remarkable art discovery in a Cambridge home has sent ripples through the international art world, culminating in a multi-million-pound sale. A breathtaking 18th-century Venetian painting, tucked away for years, has been identified as a genuine work by the famed artist Francesco Guardi.
The artwork, entitled 'A Capriccio Landscape with an Elegant Company and a Fortified Tower', was the star lot of Cheffins auctioneers' specialist Picture sale. It achieved a monumental £2.7 million against a pre-sale estimate of just £40,000 to £60,000, a figure that left experts and onlookers astounded.
From Humble Home to Auction Spotlight
The painting had been in the possession of a local Cambridge family for several decades, having been acquired by their father during the 1990s. Its true value and illustrious authorship remained unknown until it was brought to the experts at Cheffins for valuation. Specialists authenticated the piece as a significant work by Guardi, a master renowned for his vivid depictions of Venetian life and landscapes.
Fierce Bidding War for a Venetian Treasure
The auction itself was a dramatic affair. The painting ignited a fierce bidding war that commenced at £30,000 and rapidly escalated. The competition was primarily between two determined international bidders, connected via telephone. After a tense and protracted battle, the gavel finally came down, securing the masterpiece for a private overseas buyer.
This sale not only highlights the enduring appeal and value of Old Master paintings but also stands as a testament to the potential for extraordinary finds within British homes. It underscores the critical importance of professional valuations for seemingly unassuming inherited pieces.
The record-breaking result at Cheffins firmly places the Cambridge auction house on the map for high-value international art sales and marks a sensational chapter in the UK's art market history.
