Hidden Masterpiece beneath Luis Meléndez's Still Life to Take Center Stage in the United States
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Purchased for approximately US$4,000 half a century ago, an 18th-century painting has appreciated in value, now worth at least a hundred times its original price.
From its origin in a Bixiga antique shop, through the confines of a dining room, to the grand stages of the United States, the journey of a still life attributed to the Spanish painter Luis Meléndez is set to captivate art enthusiasts. It portrays a quintessential scene of 18th-century "bodegones" in the country—a table adorned with a vase, assorted condiments, a suspended bird, and a basket filled with lemons. However, concealed beneath this canvas lies another layer of artistic wonder. "Radiographs are a customary part of my work," remarks Douglas Quintale, an art expert. "I routinely seek lead elements within the paint or any potential sketches hidden beneath the surface. But this time, the discovery was truly extraordinary." |
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The radiograph, divided into quadrants, unveiled a male figure cradling a child in his arms. This remarkable revelation occurred during an examination conducted in the owner's living room in 2021, much to Quintale's surprise. He remarks, "I can't explain why I made an exception that day, as I typically refrain from conducting assessments in the presence of clients. But it happened, and everyone present was taken aback."
According to Quintale, the presence of hidden artworks beneath others is not uncommon, but what left him astounded was the quality of this concealed masterpiece. He asserts that it is exquisitely executed and virtually complete, with no discernible flaws evident in the radiograph. "All the elements aligned perfectly. Based on our research, we believe that Luis Meléndez concealed at least two works by painting over them." Hailing from a family of artists, Luis Meléndez is celebrated as a leading figure in the Spanish Baroque school. He is best known for his series of a hundred still life paintings created during the final two decades of his life. |
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Despite occasionally painting for King Carlos IV of Spain, Luis Meléndez did not receive the recognition he deserved during his lifetime. He never secured an official position at the royal court and passed away in poverty, destitute and unrecognized.
The tale of the hidden painting, however, remains shrouded in mystery. Quintale states that, presently, it is impossible to ascertain the identity of the artist behind the concealed work, the identities of the figures depicted, or the reasons motivating Meléndez to paint over the original canvas. Quintale notes, "Technological advancements have not yet reached the stage where such mysteries can be unravelled. Every art examination possesses inherent limitations that may be overcome in the future. This is the current extent of our capabilities." The only method capable of extracting additional information from the underlying painting would involve the destruction of the still life attributed to Meléndez—a prospect that holds no appeal for any party involved. |
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"The enigma encapsulates the essence of this painting," remarks André Munari, the spokesperson for the company that owns the artwork. He ponders, "Did someone commission the original portrait and then renege on payment? Did Meléndez paint over it out of frustration? Or was it simply a pragmatic decision to reuse the canvas, a costly material? We may never uncover the truth."
Since its discovery, the artwork has garnered offers in the tens of millions of dollars, all of which have been declined. Munari emphasizes, "We recognize the painting's merit and believe it deserves wider exposure. We have received intriguing invitations for exhibitions outside of Brazil, as it is a captivating narrative featuring an exceptionally enigmatic and mysterious artwork that the world will undoubtedly appreciate." Plans are underway to exhibit the painting, accompanied by the radiograph, across the United States in cities such as Orlando, Miami, and New York, as well as in countries like Canada and Turkey. |
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Munari envisions the sale of the painting unfolding organically as it gains further visibility. "Our rejections of offers should not be interpreted as a dismissal of the sums proposed. Rather, we are allowing the artwork to evolve and become increasingly iconic," he asserts. "By showcasing the painting, we expand the range of potential admirers."
Marco Fuoco Júnior, the founding partner of GMARK Investimentos, echoes this sentiment. He explains, "Exhibiting in prestigious galleries bolsters credibility not only with art critics but also with potential buyers." Fuoco further notes that the art market is experiencing a resurgence, attracting more investors seeking capital gains. According to the most recent Art Basel report, global art sales increased by 3% in 2022 compared to the previous year, reaching approximately $67.8 billion, surpassing pre-pandemic levels from 2019. |
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"When assessing the prices of artworks over past decades," Fuoco observes, "a clear upward trend in selling values becomes evident. The ten most expensive artworks ever sold were all post-2000, with ever-expanding profit margins."
Prior to the sale, the still life attributed to Luis Meléndez, along with the radiograph, will embark on an exhibition tour across North America. The goal is to unveil the painting later this year, with André Munari noting that all that remains is to coordinate schedules and arrange the logistics for transporting a historically significant artwork of substantial value. "We aspire to share the still life, the radiograph, and evoke the same sense of wonder that we experienced three years ago when the discovery was first made," Munari concludes. "This should be a delight accessible to many." |
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Article Contributor: Isabella Faria - CNN