The panel itself was offered by Sotheby’s in New York on January 12 1995 as part of the sale of the Historical Society of New York. Estimated at $600,000-800,000, it failed to sell but is thought to have been bought post-sale.
The medallion pinnacle was mentioned for the first time in 1808, when it had already been separated from the panel, as being in the Artaud de Montor Collection. It was sold in Paris in 1851 since when its whereabouts have been unknown.
Duke’s will offer the piece for sale on behalf of a Somerset family who are thought to have owned it for about 100 years. The sale takes place at their Dorchester rooms on March 9.
Duke's uncover a blessing in disguise
UK: HAVING ascribed it to the Italian School of the 13th/14th century in their auction advertisement, Hy. Duke now believe that this 73/4 x 9in (20 x 23cm) oil on panel, right, is in fact the pinnacle – missing for 150 years – of the Madonna panel by Nardo Di Cione (1343-1366).
