Unique religious painting fails to sell at auction
A unique 500-year-old religious artwork discovered in Guernsey failed to be sold at an auction yesterday afternoon.
The triptych – a painting displayed across three hinged panels – was being offered by local auctioneer Martel Maides as one of more than 600 items on sale, and had a guide price of £150,000 to £200,000.
It did receive bids.
However, the highest bid – from a telephone bidder – amounted to only £130,000, which did not match the reserve price, and so the painting was not sold.
Martel Maides director and auctioneer Nick Renny said that the company would contact the owner of the artwork to discuss the next steps once the auction came to an end.
About 20 people attended the auction in person, while others joined online and via telephone.
The artwork is thought to be from the circle or workshop of 16th century Flemish artist Pieter Coecke van Aelst.
Known as The Adoration of the Magi, it depicts the birth of Jesus Christ, with St Joseph on the right panel and Balthazar on the left panel.
Valuer and auctioneer Guy Cooper said the triptych had garnered interest from across the world, with enquiries from countries including Austria, Italy and the USA.
‘Its features make it unique and incredibly intriguing, with the added bonus that it’s in wonderful condition,’ he said.
‘This is also quite an unusual triptych in the sense that all three panels are part of the same work. Usually each panel shows something different.’
