An Italian family is on a quest to authenticate a painting believed to be a discarded Picasso masterpiece found on the island of Capri over 60 years ago. The canvas, featuring a female figure, was stumbled upon by a junk dealer in the early 1960s and later hung in the family's living room and restaurant near Naples. The dealer's son, intrigued by a Picasso painting in a textbook, sought validation for the artwork but faced skepticism from experts.
After enduring encounters with art fraudsters and legal scrutiny, the family enlisted the Swiss-based Arcadia Foundation to conduct scientific tests on the painting. The results indicated that the colors used matched Picasso's palette from the era, and a handwriting expert authenticated the signature on the canvas.
Despite these findings, the only authority capable of confirming the painting's authenticity is the Picasso Administration in Paris, which has yet to respond to inquiries. The estimated value of the artwork is 6 million euros, potentially rising to 10-12 million euros if validated.
The painting bears resemblance to a 1949 Picasso piece called 'Tete du femme,' prompting speculation that Picasso may have visited Capri and created the disputed artwork in the early 1940s. However, a Picasso scholar expressed doubts about the similarities between the two paintings, suggesting Picasso wouldn't replicate his own work.
The 'Tete du femme' painting is shrouded in mystery, with no confirmed sightings beyond a 1967 book reference. The Picasso scholar emphasized that his database doesn't authenticate artworks, leaving the final verdict to the Picasso Administration.
The family remains uncertain about the painting's fate, contemplating whether to sell it amidst a flurry of public interest. Despite the ongoing deliberations, they stand firm in their belief in the painting's authenticity, backed by scientific analysis and unwavering conviction.
