The discovery of a potential authentic Pablo Picasso painting in an Italian family’s home has sparked excitement and intrigue in the art world. The canvas was found by junk dealer Luigi Lo Rosso in 1962 while rummaging through a villa’s basement on the island of Capri. It was rolled up and bore Picasso’s signature in the top left corner.
Luigi’s son, Andrea Lo Rosso, shares the story of how his father found the painting and how he discovered Picasso’s signature on it as he grew up. Despite initial doubts from his family about the painting’s authenticity, Andrea’s curiosity and research led him to believe that the painting may indeed be a genuine Picasso.
The painting is believed to be a depiction of Dora Maar, a French Surrealist who was romantically involved with Picasso. If authentic, the piece was likely created between 1930 and 1936 during Picasso’s visits to Capri. Despite previous skepticism from art historians, recent examinations by experts, including graphologist Cinzia Altieri, suggest that the painting is legitimate and could be worth around $6.6 million.
The Lo Rosso family has taken steps to register the painting with Italy’s patrimony police and are now awaiting verification from experts at the Picasso Foundation in Paris. The painting is currently being kept in a vault in Milan, with hopes that its value will increase further with official recognition from the foundation.
Although Luigi Lo Rosso passed away in 2021, Andrea Lo Rosso, now 60, is pleased to see the painting finally receiving the attention it deserves. He expresses his curiosity and eagerness to hear the verdict from the Picasso Foundation, emphasizing that their family’s goal has always been to establish the truth about the painting’s origins. The potential authentication of the painting would not only validate their long-held belief in its authenticity but also elevate its status in the art world.
