1700
54 x 41cm
The painting was commissioned by Alfonso I d'Este, Duke of Ferrara, in 1512 during a visit to the Sistine Chapel which was being completed. Michelangelo completed the commission only between 1929-30 in Florence. Once the painting was ready, which, according to Vasari, is described as a large tempera-coloured drawing room painting depicting the carnal union between Leda and Jupiter transformed into a swan, a messenger from Ferrara was sent to deliver it to the client.
Legend has it that when the messenger saw the work, in front of Michelangelo, he defined it as “a poor thing”, the artist became annoyed and refused to hand over the painting which was given to his assistant Antonio Mini.
The boy took her to France the following year where she was purchased by King Francis I.
From this moment on, there is no further news of it until the mid-700th century when the art historian Francesco Milizia says he saw it (omitting, however, the place of its discovery) and describes it as a confused and now battered work.
Since then the canvas disappears.
There are many copies, the most famous of which is preserved in the National Gallery in London.
The painting for sale is a pair, probably academic, dating back to the first half of the 18th century.
The canvas is in good condition, with signs of ancient restorations.
measures:
54 x 41cm
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