Workers carry “Judith and Holofernes,” believed to be by Caravaggio, to a public presentation at the Drouot auction house in Paris earlier this month.
For the last five years, residents of this southern city have been captivated by the Caravaggio, as it is simply called, whose owners have added to the sense of mystery by remaining steadfastly anonymous. With ancient homes and apartments often stuffed with old neglected paintings and furniture handed down through generations, the Toulouse Caravaggio has left residents fantasizing about what might be lurking in their own attics.
Before the Caravaggio entered his life, Labarbe had already carved out a successful career. He had a taste of international notoriety when he led an auction of components from the old Concorde supersonic jetliners back in 2007. Later he sold a client’s ancient Chinese scroll for 22 million euros, about $25 million at current exchange rates. But much of the auctioneer’s job is fielding queries from people wondering if some bric-a-brac might have something more than sentimental value.
The Toulouse Caravaggio was no different. The painting depicts a Biblical scene in which Judith, having seduced the invading general Holofernes and gotten him drunk, cuts his throat to save her people. The episode has been a popular image for artists across the centuries.Indeed, there is another Caravaggio painting of Judith and Holofernes that he made around 1600 and that hangs in the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica in Rome.
“It was generally conceded that, regardless of attribution, this is a very major work of art, indeed, and one fully worthy of the controversy it has inspired,” Christiansen wrote. Following the French Revolution, the records become even more chaotic. The Caravaggio’s former owners traced its heritage back to a soldier who served in Napoleon’s army. Exactly how it found its way to that attic remains a mystery. But throughout, the family has insisted on remaining anonymous to protect their children and avoid publicity, Labarbe said.
With ancient homes and apartments often stuffed with old paintings, the Caravaggio left Toulouse residents fantasizing about what might be lurking in their own attics. Below, the attic where “Judith and Holofernes” was found. 📸: Marc Labarbe
It's mine,but be careful with it because it will look great hanging in my outside toilet wall.
Great Story!
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