Renaissance masterpiece discovered in Northumberland farmhouse expected to fetch more than £50k at auction

A Renaissance masterpiece uncovered in a Northumberland farmhouse is expected to fetch more than £50,000 at auction next month.

The painting by the Master of Marradi was found in a farmhouse near Bellingham and has an estimated sale value of between £50,000 and £80,000. It was previously sold in 1911 at Christie's for £1,102 (roughly equivalent to £140,000 today), to the current vendor's great-grandmother, but has not been seen by the public for more than 100 years.

Dating back to the late 15th century, the painting was initially believed to be the work of Bernardino di Betto (1454-1513), commonly known as Pinturicchio, or "little painter". The masterpiece was previously a "significant" piece in the collection of art collector Charles Butler (1821-1910) and was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1881 among other works by the Old Masters.

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It was also showcased in London between 1893 and 1894 in an Early Italian Art Exhibition at New Gallery in Regent Street, alongside works by da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael.

Auctioneers Anderson & Garland's fine art specialists and other industry experts have attributed the painting to the Master of Marradi. The artist, whose real name remains unknown, is known for his depictions of the Madonna, saints, and other Christian religious themes.

Likely residing near Florence, in Tuscany, the Master of Marradi derived his name from five works originating from the monastery of Santa Reparata, the Badia del Borgo, near Marradi. His style suggests influences from contemporary Renaissance painter Domenico Ghirlandaio and later works exhibit traces of Botticelli and Perugino, which likely led to the initial misattribution to Pinturicchio.

Fred Wyerley-Birch, director at auctioneers Anderson & Garland, said: "It is rare to see work by the unknown Master of Marradi at auction, and we are proud to be able to offer it for sale here at Anderson & Garland. We expect lots of interest and interested parties are welcome to view the painting at our showroom in Newcastle prior to its sale during our Fine Summer Auction Series in July."

The auction will also include another painting by an Italian Master, Jean Philliips van Thielen, featuring the Holy Family. This piece, also consigned by a Northumberland family, is estimated to sell for between £15,000 and £25,000.

The sale also includes a variety of fine items such as furniture, art, sculptures, clocks, books and manuscripts. The Summer Country House & Fine Interiors Auction takes place on Tuesday, July 23 and Wednesday, July 24, with viewing at Anderson House in Westerhope, Newcastle on July 19, 20 and 22.