In an exciting twist worthy of a Hollywood script, a long-lost painting by Sofonisba Anguissola, a celebrated female artist of the Renaissance, has resurfaced in a North Carolina estate after more than a century. The painting, aptly named“Portrait of a Canon Regular,”was originally photographed in 1920 but vanished from the art world’s radar until now. This intriguing saga began when art historian Michael Cole hosted a lecture about Anguissola that caught the attention of a pair of local collectors who thought they might own something special.
Upon contacting Cole, the collectors welcomed him to Durham to examine their potential treasure. Much to their delight, Cole confirmed the painting’s authenticity, revealing that it shows a priest delivering a sermon with a ghostly eagle, representing St. John, hovering nearby. Priced at half a million dollars, this remarkable find is not only a stunning piece of history but also one of only 20 signed canvases by Anguissola. Who knew that art treasures could lie hidden in plain sight, just waiting for the right moment to shine again?
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
