antiquesandartireland.com

The only Botticelli drawing to appear on the market in over 100 years comes up at Sotheby’s in London on July 9.  Study for a Seated St. Joseph, his head resting on his right hand, is the only drawing by Sandro Botticelli (1445-1510) in private hands. This is the first sheet by the Renaissance master to come to auction since the 19th century and the only drawing which can be clearly linked with one of his painted compositions. The drawing is a study for the figure of St. Joseph to the left of The Nativity with adoring St. John the Baptist.

It is from the collection of Barbara Piasecka Johnson (1937-2013), art connoisseur, philanthropist and wife of the late John Seward Johnson, co-founder of Johnson and Johnson. Sotheby’s sale of Old Master and British Paintings on July 9 will present nine works from her estate.  The proceeds are to the benefit the Barbara Piasecka Johnson Foundation, the primary focus of which is helping children with autism.

UPDATE: IT MADE £1.3 MILLION.  This was the highest price ever paid for a drawing by the artist at auction.