Luis Egidio Meléndez Masterpiece
Discovery Unveiled beneath Luis Meléndez's Unpublished Still Life
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In an exciting collaboration that underscores its commitment to the arts and community enrichment, the proud owner of the US$50 Million Luis Melendez Masterpiece has joined forces with the Global Family Support Foundation to make a significant impact on the international art industry.
The partnership with the Global Family Support Foundation brings exclusive opportunities for the display of the Luis Melendez Masterpiece in renowned museums worldwide. This masterpiece not only represents a pinnacle of artistic achievement but also carries a unique and powerful message of inclusivity and diversity. The Global Family Support Foundation, in tandem with the Luis Melendez Masterpiece, seeks to celebrate and promote the remarkable works of young artists with autism. With its exclusive global privileges to showcase this artwork in distinguished museums, the Foundation is ensuring that the voices and talents of these artists reach a global audience. |
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An 18th-century painting has unveiled a captivating secret through an X-ray – a male figure cradling a child, and experts speculate its value could soar to US$100 million.
A canvas by the eminent Spanish painter of the 18th century conceals a profound enigma. Meléndez's artwork was acquired over half a century ago from an antique store in São Paulo's Bixiga neighborhood. Its value back then was a mere US$4,000, but specialists now estimate it could fetch up to US$100 million.
Three X-ray scans have exposed a hidden masterpiece beneath the still life – a male figure tenderly holding a child. Historical records of Luis Meléndez's life indicate that the artist had painted over three works, with the whereabouts of the other two remaining a mystery.
Although born in Italy in 1715, Meléndez spent the majority of his life in Spain. He specialized in the still life genre, crafting compositions featuring inanimate objects. He even served King Carlos IV of Spain, but his life ended in poverty.
The journey leading to the discovery of the concealed artwork began in 2020 and was a lengthy one. It commenced with an investigation. Upon the painting's arrival at Douglas Quintale's office, the expert's primary concern was verifying its legality. "I prioritize my client, but the artwork takes precedence," he asserts. "We reached out to over 50 institutions to ensure the canvas had not been stolen or involved in trafficking – including the FBI, American museums, and works lost during the Holocaust."
Once its legality was confirmed, the process of examination began. Physical, chemical, and aesthetic analyses were conducted. The team of experts identified contemporary inscriptions from the 19th century on the canvas stretcher, alluding to Luis Meléndez.
Notable specificities in the painting's appearance were observed. "The painting exhibits a remarkably firm technique, closely mirroring the Spanish master in certain aspects, such as the depiction of fruits and baskets," notes Douglas. "Yet in other aspects, it is strikingly innovative – for instance, the inclusion of a hanging rod."
Recognizing the artwork's significance, it underwent a restoration process. Due to its age of over 200 years, signs of aging were evident but within acceptable parameters. According to restorer Raul Carvalho, several prior touch-ups had been executed on the painting before its acquisition five decades ago. One of these touch-ups was rudimentary, and during its removal, the concealed masterpiece emerged. "In one section of the vase, a form was identified that did not belong to the still life composition," explains Raul. "This element led us to an arm that, in this case, belongs to the male figure. It is rare to encounter an underlying artwork of such exceptional quality."
Raul acknowledges that techniques exist to separate the two paintings, but the risk of damage is considerable, given the advanced age of both works.
Nevertheless, a fundamental question remains: Why did Meléndez paint over the portrait? Both experts harbor theories, including material reutilization, a commissioned work gone awry, or an attempt to conceal a painting that displeased the artist. The authorship of the concealed artwork remains uncertain, possibly by Meléndez himself or another artist. Only more in-depth tests can provide answers. The company that possesses the artwork has opted to suspend further analyses and has yet to decide on its sale.
For now, the art world savors a splendid still life painting by one of the preeminent Spanish painters of the 18th century, along with a radiographic revelation and a profound mystery – a driving force behind every artistic discovery.
A canvas by the eminent Spanish painter of the 18th century conceals a profound enigma. Meléndez's artwork was acquired over half a century ago from an antique store in São Paulo's Bixiga neighborhood. Its value back then was a mere US$4,000, but specialists now estimate it could fetch up to US$100 million.
Three X-ray scans have exposed a hidden masterpiece beneath the still life – a male figure tenderly holding a child. Historical records of Luis Meléndez's life indicate that the artist had painted over three works, with the whereabouts of the other two remaining a mystery.
Although born in Italy in 1715, Meléndez spent the majority of his life in Spain. He specialized in the still life genre, crafting compositions featuring inanimate objects. He even served King Carlos IV of Spain, but his life ended in poverty.
The journey leading to the discovery of the concealed artwork began in 2020 and was a lengthy one. It commenced with an investigation. Upon the painting's arrival at Douglas Quintale's office, the expert's primary concern was verifying its legality. "I prioritize my client, but the artwork takes precedence," he asserts. "We reached out to over 50 institutions to ensure the canvas had not been stolen or involved in trafficking – including the FBI, American museums, and works lost during the Holocaust."
Once its legality was confirmed, the process of examination began. Physical, chemical, and aesthetic analyses were conducted. The team of experts identified contemporary inscriptions from the 19th century on the canvas stretcher, alluding to Luis Meléndez.
Notable specificities in the painting's appearance were observed. "The painting exhibits a remarkably firm technique, closely mirroring the Spanish master in certain aspects, such as the depiction of fruits and baskets," notes Douglas. "Yet in other aspects, it is strikingly innovative – for instance, the inclusion of a hanging rod."
Recognizing the artwork's significance, it underwent a restoration process. Due to its age of over 200 years, signs of aging were evident but within acceptable parameters. According to restorer Raul Carvalho, several prior touch-ups had been executed on the painting before its acquisition five decades ago. One of these touch-ups was rudimentary, and during its removal, the concealed masterpiece emerged. "In one section of the vase, a form was identified that did not belong to the still life composition," explains Raul. "This element led us to an arm that, in this case, belongs to the male figure. It is rare to encounter an underlying artwork of such exceptional quality."
Raul acknowledges that techniques exist to separate the two paintings, but the risk of damage is considerable, given the advanced age of both works.
Nevertheless, a fundamental question remains: Why did Meléndez paint over the portrait? Both experts harbor theories, including material reutilization, a commissioned work gone awry, or an attempt to conceal a painting that displeased the artist. The authorship of the concealed artwork remains uncertain, possibly by Meléndez himself or another artist. Only more in-depth tests can provide answers. The company that possesses the artwork has opted to suspend further analyses and has yet to decide on its sale.
For now, the art world savors a splendid still life painting by one of the preeminent Spanish painters of the 18th century, along with a radiographic revelation and a profound mystery – a driving force behind every artistic discovery.
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A prominent initiative, "The Autistic Creative Mind," serves as a platform for young autistic artists to exhibit their creative prowess, narrate their journeys and challenges, and foster a nurturing environment with peers who share similar experiences.
Within this community, members draw inspiration from one another, and their families benefit from their shared artistry and lived experiences. By championing these unique viewpoints and skills, the GFS Foundation has curated a haven that underscores the values of diversity and inclusivity. Their creations provide us with a window into their world, helping us appreciate the richness of life with autism. |
CNN Brazil - by Isabella Faria
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