A long-lost masterpiece valued at more than £128 million has gone on show in London before being sold at auction.
The painting by Italian artist Caravaggio is believed to have lain forgotten in an attic in Toulouse, France, for about a century until it was discovered five years ago.
‘Judith and Holofernes’ is believed to date from 1607 and illustrates the biblical story of Judith who seduced and then beheaded an enemy general whose army had besieged her city.
It has undergone extensive scientific analysis including x-rays as part of the process of authentication before it could be sold.
The discovery means there are now 68 known paintings attributed to the artist who died in 1610.
The painting is on show at Colnaghi at 26 Bury Street from tomorrow, March 1, until March 9. It will then be exhibited in Paris and New York before returning to France to be sold on June 27.
