A portrait catalogued as ‘manner of Solario’ – £14,000 at Lawrences of Crewkerne.
Although 16th century in style and having an old label on the back reading Andrea del Solario – portrait of the artist (it also retained an unidentified red wax collector’s seal), the 21¾ x 17in (56 x 43cm) unframed oil on panel was judged to be later in date.
It had undergone plenty of work including repainting to the cloak, cap and hair. It also had some bitumen damage and evidence of old paint separation.
Catalogued as ‘manner of Solario’ and estimated at £3000-5000 at Lawrences (25% buyer’s premium) of Crewkerne on July 6, a number of parties seemed keen to undertake a restoration project.
It eventually sold for £14,000 with the winning bid placed on the phone from Italy.
