by Yulia Berry In May 2022, at the sale of old paintings, one lot exceeded all expectations and became the super star of the auction. A portrait of a cheerful flutist, valued at 30,000 euros, was bought by a French buyer for 300,380 euros. The title of the lot was “Portrait of a flutist in his study”, and it is obvious that the beautiful painting was painted by the hand of a great artist. Known as the work of the French School from c. 1720-1730, the portrait still has its secrets. Who is the artist? Two things remain unknown about … Continue reading The mystery of the flutist’s portrait