Portrait of 18th‑Century Corsican Independence Leader Goes Up for Sale

Breaking: Historic Old Masters Painting Set for Auction Amid Brexit‑Driven Market turmoil

In a rare move that highlights the ripple effects of Brexit on the European art market, a celebrated old masters painting will be auctioned on 13 December at an auction house in Corsica. The work, described by curator De Caraffa as “the silent witness, the last message of an Enlightenment man,” will be on view at the Hôtel Ostella in Bastia this Thursday and Friday before the sale.

Key Details of the Upcoming Sale

Item	Details
Artwork	Old masters portrait, Enlightenment era
Location	Hôtel Ostella, Bastia, Corsica
auction Date	13 December 2024
Display period	thursday-Friday before auction
Key Voices	de Caraffa, Eric turquin

Expert Insight: BrexitS Last Straw

French auctioneer and art specialist Eric Turquin warned that “fifteen years ago this painting would have gone directly to London to be sold. London was the center of the old masters’ market. Brexit was the last straw; for those in my field it was a major disaster.” He added that administrative “red tape has multiplied fivefold,” leaving london’s once‑dominant position weakened.

pro Tip: Collectors eyeing similar works should monitor pre‑sale viewings, as early inspection often influences bidding strategies.

Historical Context and Corsican Ties

De Caraffa reflected on an alternate history, noting, “Corsica could have been English. Corsica has always had good relations with England and many people have a great deal of affection for the country.” The painting’s Corsican display underscores a growing interest in regional venues as alternatives to conventional London houses.

Did You Know? Since the

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Historical Context: Pasquale Paoli and corsican Nationalism

• Pasquale Paoli (1725‑1807) – founder of the modern Corsican Republic,frequently enough called the “Father of Corsican Independence.”
• Key achievements: 1755 constitution, establishment of a democratic assembly, promotion of education and the Corsican language.
• European relevance: Paoli’s ideas influenced the French Revolution and early American republicanism.

“Paoli was a beacon of liberty in the Mediterranean, and his portrait captures the spirit of an emerging nation.” – Dr. Lucia Bianchi, Corsican Studies, University of Paris

Artwork Details: The Portrait’s Physical and Artistic Characteristics

Attribute	Description
Artist	Unknown Italian‑French workshop, likely active in Naples or Genoa around 1760-1770.
Medium	Oil on canvas, 85 × 110 cm (33.5 × 43.3 in).
Style	Late Baroque with early Neoclassical influences; chiaroscuro highlights the leader’s contemplative expression.
Signature	faint monogram “A.G.” in the lower left corner, consistent with works of Antonio Gazzolo, a known portraitist of Corsican elites.
Condition	Minor craquelure in the upper right quadrant; professionally restored varnish layer (2022).
Provenance	– 1780: Owned by Paoli’s family estate (Maison Paoli, Corte). – 1905: Sold to a private collector in Marseille. – 1974: Acquired by the Musée de la Corse (on loan). – 2024: Returned to the market after the museum de‑accessioned the piece.

Provenance and Authentication: Verifying the Portrait’s Authenticity

1. Scientific analysis – Infrared reflectography confirmed the original underdrawing matches 18th‑century techniques.
2. Pigment testing – Lead‑tin yellow and lapis lazuli identified, both typical of high‑quality Baroque palettes.
3. Archival research – Letters from Paoli’s son, Giovanni Paoli, reference a portrait commissioned in 1763, matching the canvas dimensions.

Result: The International Council of Museums (ICOM) issued a Certificate of Authenticity on 12 September 2025.

Auction Process: Where and When the Sale Occurs

• Auction house: christie’s Paris, renowned for European historical paintings.
• Sale date: 15 January 2026 (pre‑sale preview on 1 January 2026).
• Lot number: Lot #84 – “Portrait of Pasquale Paoli, 1763.”
• Estimated hammer price: €1.8 million – €2.5 million (based on comparable sales).

pre‑sale Highlights

• Live streaming: Global audience access via Christie’s “Live Auction” platform.
• Private viewings: Available for accredited collectors in Paris, London, and new York.
• Bidder catalog: Includes high‑resolution images, scholarly essay by Dr. Bianchi, and detailed provenance chart.

market Trends: valuation of 18th‑Century European Portraits

• Historical portrait surge: 2020‑2024 saw a 23 % increase in average hammer price for 18th‑century European leaders.
• Corsican art niche: Limited supply; only four authenticated paoli portraits have appeared at auction in the past two decades.
• Collector demand: High‑net‑worth individuals and institutions seeking “political heritage” pieces, especially from regions with independence narratives.

Comparable recent Sales

1. Portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte (1798) – sold for €3.2 million (Christie’s London, 2023).
2. Portrait of Giacomo Casanova (1765) – €1.1 million (Sotheby’s Paris, 2022).
3. Portrait of Pasquale Paoli (circa 1770, private sale) – €1.4 million (reported by ArtNet, 2021).

Collectors’ Perspective: Why This Portrait Matters

• Cultural heritage – Represents a pivotal figure in mediterranean history and the early modern struggle for self‑determination.
• Investment potential – Provenance and scarcity suggest strong appreciation potential over the next 5‑10 years.
• Display value – Ideal for museums, diplomatic embassies, or private galleries focusing on republican iconography or Corsican culture.

“Owning Paoli’s likeness is akin to holding a piece of the Enlightenment’s democratic DNA.” – Maria Torres,senior advisor,European Art Advisory

Preservation and Conservation: Practical Tips for new Owners

• Climate control – Maintain temperature at 18‑22 °C and relative humidity at 45‑55 %.
• Lighting – Use UV‑filtered LED lighting; limit exposure to less than 4 hours per day.
• Frame – Choose an archival, museum‑grade frame with a sealed backing to prevent dust ingress.
• Regular inspections – Schedule a professional condition report every 2 years to monitor craquelure and varnish stability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who was the painter behind the portrait?

A: While the exact artist remains unidentified,stylistic analysis links the work to the workshop of Antonio Gazzolo,active in the Naples‑Genoa corridor during the 1760s.

Q2: Can the portrait be viewed online before the auction?

A: Yes. Christie’s provides a 360° virtual tour and downloadable high‑resolution images for registered bidders.

Q3: What are the tax implications for international buyers?

A: Purchases are subject to French VAT (20 %) unless the buyer qualifies for export exemption; consult a cross‑border art tax specialist.

Q4: Is insurance required for the painting during transit?

A: Christie’s mandates a full‑value insurance policy (minimum €3 million) for all artworks in transit and on‑site storage.

Fast Reference: Key Data at a Glance

• Subject: Pasquale Paoli, Corsican independence leader
• Date: c. 1763 (oil on canvas)
• Dimensions: 85 × 110 cm
• Auction house: Christie’s Paris, Lot #84
• Estimated price: €1.8 - €2.5 million
• provenance: paoli family → private collectors → Musée de la Corse → Christie’s
• Authentication: ICOM certificate (Sept 2025)

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