A masterpiece painted by a figurehead of the Italian Renaissance may have been unearthed on a historic Aberdeenshire estate.
Art experts think a work of art uncovered in Haddo House, near Methlick – nicknamed “the Haddo Madonna” – is an original painted by 16th-century artist and architect, Raphael.
The discovery was made as part of a BBC documentary series called “Britain’s Lost Masterpieces”, which concluded a portrait from the estate was “probably by” the artist.
Experts Dr Bendor Grosvenor and Jacky Klein have analysed two painting from Haddo House and believe a piece named The Virgin Mary – first thought to be crafted by Innocenzo da Imola – is a genuine Rafael.
The painting was first purchased by George Hamilton-Gordon, the 4th Earl of Aberdeen and Prime Minister between 1852 and 1855.
Italian Raphael is regarded as one of the key figures of the High Renaissance and a rival of the great master, Michelangelo.
His work can still be found on display in the Vatican Palace.
Also unearthed at Haddo House by the documentary’s team was a previously unknown landscape work attributed to French artist, Claude Lorrain.
Jennifer Melville, head of collections, archives and libraries at the National Trust for Scotland – which runs Haddo House – said: “The National Trust for Scotland holds so many treasures all over the country.
“We always knew that the collection at Haddo was very special, and the discovery of these wonderful pieces confirms its importance in the Scottish art world.
“This is particularly exciting for the piece which looks likely to be by Raphael. There are not many places where you can experience the work of one of the Renaissance’s giants in a dining room.
“It is this intimacy which makes exploring our collections quite so special.”
The paintings were acquired in the 19th century by George Hamilton-Gordon, the 4th Earl of Aberdeen and Prime Minister between 1852 and 1855.
They were all removed and professionally cleaned and conserved by Edinburgh-based conservator, Owen Davison.
The show airs on Wendesday, October 5 at 9pm.
