A rare portrait by Renaissance master Raphael that shows a Florentine ruler from the famed Medici family will be offered at a public auction this summer, Christie’s said Monday.

Christie’s expects the portrait to fetch a record 10 million to 15 million pounds ($19.7 million to $29.5 million). The record price for a Raphael at public auction is 5.3 million pounds ($10.4 million) for a drawing in black crayon sold in 1996.
The portrait up for sale is of Lorenzo de’ Medici, Duke of Urbino and ruler of Florence from 1513 to 1519. It shows Medici turning slightly left against a rich forest green background. The duke is dressed in an ornate gold-embroidered costume with red puffy sleeves and gray fur lining around the neck. In his right hand, Medici holds what is probably a portrait miniature showing his future wife. The canvas measures 38-by-31 inches (97-by-79 centimeters) and dates to 1518.

Christie’s is set to auction the Medici portrait July 5 in London.

Posted: 05|23|07 at 6:44 am. Filed under: UK News.