A painting attributed to Raffaello was recently presented in New York ahead of an important auction by Sotheby’s.
The work represents Saint Mary Magdalene and it is believed to have been painted by Raphael in 1503. It is a small-sized work (38.1 x 14.6 cm).
Once it was part of a triptych intended for private devotion. In 2000, the painting was offered at auction by Christie’s in New York and sold for 611,000 dollars (about 590,000 euros).
Today it is estimated that it could be sold for a figure between 2 and 3 million dollars (between 1.9 and 2.9 million euros).
A precious attribution for Raffaello
Raffaello, one of the undisputed masters of the Italian Renaissance, has left an indelible mark in the history of art.
The works attributed to him are extremely rare on the market. The sale of this painting therefore represents an event of great significance.
The attribution of a work to a renowned artist is based on in-depth analyses.
Experts examine the provenance, painting techniques, and materials used to establish a solid authentication. In this case, the painting has been carefully studied by specialists who confirm its authenticity and historical importance.
A growing interest in ancient masterpieces
The ancient art market is in strong expansion, driven by private collectors and institutions eager to enrich their collections.
The paintings of the great masters, particularly those of the Renaissance, are seeing a significant increase in their value at auctions.
The auctions organized in New York attract buyers from all over the world, including museums, collectors, and investors.
This type of sale not only allows for the rediscovery of exceptional works, but also confirms the growing trend of the bull market of ancient art.
What will be the outcome of this auction sale of Raffaello?
While the preliminary estimate hovers around 2 milioni di dollari, some experts predict that the final price could far exceed this figure.
In fact, the auctions for masterpieces of such importance often record a spectacular escalation, fueled by passionate collectors.
This sale demonstrates the persistent charm of Renaissance art and the admiration for Raffaello, whose works remain timeless testimonies of artistic genius.
Image: Raphaël, Sainte Marie Madeleine (detail), around 1503, oil on panel, 38.1 x 14.6 cm ©Sotheby’s

As expert in digital marketing, Amelia began working in the fintech sector in 2014 after writing her thesis on Bitcoin technology. Previously author for several international crypto-related magazines and CMO at Eidoo. She is now the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Cryptonomist and Econique.
She is also a marketing teacher at Digital Coach in Milan and she published a book about NFTs for the Italian publishing house Mondadori, while she is also helping artists and company to entering in the sector. As advisor, Amelia is also involved in metaverse-related project such as The Nemesis and OVER.