A RENAISSANCE painting not seen by the public in a century will be auctioned in July.

The painting by The Master of Marradi was discovered near Bellingham and will highlight Anderson & Garland’s Summer Fine Country House Auctions on July 23 and 24, with an estimated sale value of £50,000-80,000.

It was previously owned by renowned art collector Charles Butler (1821-1910).

The back of the paintingThe back of the painting (Image: Anderson & Garland)

The Master of Marradi, whose real name remains unknown, is celebrated for depicting the Madonna, Saints, and other Christian religious themes.

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Likely residing in Tuscany, near Florence, the Master of Marradi derived his name from five works originating from a monastery near Marradi. His style suggests influences from contemporary Renaissance painter Domenico Ghirlandaio and later works exhibit traces of Botticelli and Perugino.

The Renaissance paintingThe Renaissance painting (Image: Anderson & Garland)

Following Charles Butler’s death in 1911, the painting was sold at Christie’s for £1,102, roughly equivalent to £140,000 today.

Purchased by the vendor’s great-grandmother, probably from the auction in 1911, it has not been available to be seen by the public for more than 100 years.

Fred Wyrley-Birch, director at 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.”

For more information contact info@andersonandgarland.com or call (0191) 430 3000.