In 1894 the new Director of the NG, Edward Poynter was convinced he had secured a #Perugino (it was in P's workshop that #Raphael served).

Others begged to differ.

Articles in the press and academic journals berated him and the #NationalGallery for buying a fake. It was downgraded and confined to storage where it languished in shame for a century.

In 2009, compelling art-historical evidence now suggests a C17th copy by #Sassoferrato.

#Moral: Never cast an artwork asunder.

#Art #OldMasters

In 1894 the new Director of the NG, Edward Poynter was convinced he had secured a #Perugino original (in whose workshop served #Raphael).

Others begged to differ.

Articles in the press and academic journals berated him and the #NationalGallery for buying a fake. It was downgraded and confined to storage where it languished in shame for a century.

In 2009, compelling art-historical evidence now suggests a C17th copy by #Sassoferrato.

#Moral: Never cast an artwork asunder.

#Art #OldMasters

In 1894 convinced he had a #Perugino original (in whose workshop served #Raphael), one of the 1st paintings bought by the new Director, Edward Poynter caused a stink.

Articles in the press and academic journals berated him and the #NationalGallery for buying a fake. It was downgraded and confined to storage where it languished in shame for a century.

In 2009, compelling art-historical evidence now suggests a C17th copy by #Sassoferrato.

#Moral: Never cast an artwork asunder.

#Art #OldMasters