Experts are concluding that a work of art attributed to a nobody is probably the product of a very important somebody, in part because of the hand with which it appears to have been executed. What is it, and can you find me an illustration of it?

zbeckabee

A stunningly beautiful painting called Mary Magdalene which the world-class art historian suspects may have been painted by Leonardo da Vinci together with one of his pupils will soon go on public view for the first time in more than half a century. The painting, measuring 58 cm by 45 cm, was believed to have been painted in 1515, four years before the master died. It goes on display in October in the Adriatic port of Ancona and depicts Magdalene bare breasted, wearing a red robe and holding a transparent veil over her belly. It has been attributed to Giampietrino, a Leonardo pupil whose work can be found in some of the world's greatest museums, including Leningrad's Hermitage and London's National Gallery. http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2005-09/22/content_480049.htm Aug 15 08, 4:23 PM

lanfranco

That's a very interesting answer, zbeck, but not quite the work I had in mind. However, you are definitely on the right track, given the artist and even the art historian mentioned in your site. Keep digging. Aug 15 08, 4:28 PM

zbeckabee

Fri, Aug. 15, 2008 Experts say a little-known portrait of a young woman, previously attributed to an anonymous German artist, is likely a drawing made by Leonardo. The 13-by-9.4-inch parchment is believed to be a nuptial portrait aimed at attracting a possible groom for the unidentified woman. The drawing, which could be worth millions if the new attribution is confirmed, was bought in 1998 for $21,850 by a private collector at an auction in New York, said Alessandro Vezzosi, the director of a museum dedicated to the artist in his hometown of Vinci. "Every element points to Leonardo," said Vezzosi, one of the experts who examined the drawing. "This work looks extraordinary." Link compliments of queproblemo: http://www.boston.com/news/world/europe/articles/2008/08/15/leonardo_artist_inventor_matchmaker/ Aug 15 08, 4:37 PM

lanfranco

Ottimo! A silver paintbrush, zbeck! Yes, this elegant profile portrait just might be a Leonardo. If Carlo Pedretti says it is, I'm inclined to believe him, since he is a true expert on the subject. And if it is, as Vezzosi thinks, a portrait of Bianca Maria Sforza, wife of Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, the value will be further increased. That identification can't be proved, and Vezzosi has reasons to promote it, but still .... What amazes me is that anyone ever thought it was a work by some minor German. It looks like a "ritratto assolutamente italiano" to me! Aug 15 08, 4:52 PM