Christie’s will offer 3 rediscovered drawings by Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes (1746-1828) at the auction of Old Master and 19th Century Drawings on 8 July 2008 in London. Last recorded at a landmark auction of works by the artist in Paris in 1877, the drawings have been missing and presumed lost ever since, and represent the most important grouping of sketches by the artist to be consigned to auction in over 30 years. The three drawings, which will be offered individually, are expected to realise a total in excess of £2 million.

Benjamin Peronnet, Director and International Head of Old Master and 19th Century Drawings, Christie’s: “These three drawings by Goya were last recorded in the landmark auction ‘105 dessins par Francisco Goya’ in Paris in 1877, and have been lost ever since. Each one is from one of the artist’s celebrated private albums, and they illustrate to perfection the inexhaustible fertility of Goya’s imagination, and the creativity and flair that see him recognised as arguably the first modern artist. We are very pleased to be able to exhibit these exceptional drawings to the public for the first time in over 130 years leading up to the auction in July, when we expect to attract the interest of international collectors and institutions who have rarely had an opportunity in recent years to acquire works by Goya of such importance.”

Posted: 06|1|08 at 9:11 am. Filed under: UK News.