A splendid newly discovered Crucifixion by Lorenzo Veneziano leads Bonhams Old Master Paintings Sale in London on Wednesday 6 December. It is estimated at £400,000-600,000.

This colourful and ornate panel has been in the same family for a century during which time it was unseen by art historians and, until last month, had never been published. In an article dated October 2017, Professor Gaudenz Freuler of Zürich University, wrote, "Despite its tragic content and its high emotional temperature, the animated scene of the Crucifixion is rendered here with the utmost elegance and finesse amazingly producing an appearance of sophisticated grace and dignity."

Lorenzo Veneziano was the leading Venetian painter of the second half of the 14th century and played an influential role in moving Venetian art away from Byzantine models towards the Gothic style. While absorbing the influence of Paolo Veneziano (no relation) who had dominated art in Venice in the first half of the 14th century, Lorenzo reflected in his work the ideas and artistic innovations he had encountered on his extensive travels throughout northern Italy.

Writing in Bonhams Magazine about what he calls 'this stunning picture', Bonhams Director of Old Master Paintings, Andrew Mckenzie said: "It is a very exciting addition to our knowledge of Venetian painting in the third quarter of the Trecento. Lorenzo Veneziano introduced a naturalism, a fluency of draughtsmanship and a vitality in his figure poses that had never before been seen in Venetian art."

-ENDS-

Sale: Old Master Paintings
Location: 101 New Bond Street, London
Date: Wednesday 6 December at 3.30. p.m.
Specialist: Andrew McKenzie, Director of Old Master Paintings

Enquiries

For further information and images call Pippa MacNeil on +44 (0) 20 7468 8210, or email [email protected] or [email protected].

NOTES FOR EDITORS
 
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world's largest and most renowned auctioneers of fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with sales also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of forthcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com.