Experts cleaning a supposed imitation of a Botticelli painting have discovered ... The painting had been assumed to be a later copy by an unknown artist because it varied in detail to the larger ...

The painting re-emerged in the 1800s after centuries of obscurity, revealing a complex composition rife with symbolism and subtle premonitions.

Botticelli died in 1510, a decade after he created the painting, and both the work and the artist faded into obscurity despite his prominence and high regard during the Italian Renaissance.

The successful sale of the Botticelli piece could help boost prices for other such paintings at a time when many art collectors are chasing newer works from post-war and contemporary artists.

63.5 x 93.9 cm. (25 x 37 in.) Subscribe now to view details for this work, and gain access to over 18 million auction results. Purchase One-Day Pass ...

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