Raphael Rediscovered: Rare Horse and Rider Sketch Set to Smash Auction Records!
A stunning lost masterpiece by High Renaissance legend Raphael is storming the spotlight at Dorotheum’s Old Masters auction on October 25, 2023. This rare drawing, expected to fetch over a million euros, is a game-changer for collectors and art buffs alike.
A Priceless Glimpse into Raphael’s Genius
The sketch shows a dynamic horse and rider, crafted in vivid red chalk. It’s one of only three surviving drawings Raphael produced for the Vatican’s famed “Raphael Rooms.” Specifically, it’s a preparatory study for the epic Battle of the Milvian Bridge fresco in the Hall of Constantine—one of the most ambitious artistic projects of the 16th century.
From Rubens Mix-Up to Raphael Revelation
Once hidden away in private collections and mistakenly credited to Rubens, experts have now confirmed this exquisite sheet as Raphael’s own work. Mark MacDonnell, Dorotheum’s Old Master expert, raves: “It has an energy, a verve, a movement, and a quality which make this sheet an outstanding rarity.”
Legacy of a Master Who Never Saw His Final Triumph
Though Raphael died in 1520 before the fresco’s completion, this late drawing captures his lasting influence. It offers fresh insights into his creative process and is set to cause a bidding frenzy at the auction.
Don’t miss your chance to own a slice of Renaissance history with this extraordinary Raphael sketch—a true crown jewel at Dorotheum’s Old Masters sale.
