The painting The Rest on the Flight into Egypt created by Italian Renaissance master Titian (Tiziano Vecellio), just sold for £17.5 million ($22.3 million) at an auction organized by Christie’s. It is the highest price ever paid for Titian’s work.
The painting measures 18.25 inches by 24.75 inches, which is unusual for the artist, who had a habit of creating large-scale works. It was made in the early 16th century by the 20-year-old Titian and shows infant Jesus Christ, Mary, and Joseph taking a rest during their escape to Egypt after finding out the intention of Herod, King of Judea, to kill Jesus.
The reason why The Rest on the Flight into Egypt was particularly interesting to art collectors is its eventful history. The painting was first documented to be in the possession of a Venetian spice merchant in the 17th century before becoming part of Archduke Leopold Wilhelm of Austria’s collection. It was then stolen from Belvedere Palace by French troops in the early 19th century during the Napoleonic Wars.
After several years, the painting made its way back to Vienna and was acquired by John Alexander Thynne, 4th Marquess of Bath. It remained in the possession of Thynne’s descendants until 1995, when it was stolen from a family residence. Art detective Charley Hill recovered the painting in 2002 at a bus stop in London.
