An Italian family’s long-overlooked painting, once considered an eyesore, may now be a $6 million masterpiece by Pablo Picasso. Andrea Lo Rosso, after years of debate over the bizarre portrait in his family’s living room, suspected that the painting discovered by his father in a Capri villa cellar in 1962 could be something extraordinary. His hunch was confirmed by art experts, who believe the artwork depicts Dora Maar, Picasso’s muse and lover, and could date back to the 1930s. The Arcadia Foundation has valued the portrait at a staggering €6 million, but official Picasso authenticators have yet to verify its legitimacy. Until then, the once-dismissed “horrible” portrait hangs in limbo, waiting for its place in art history.
The painting’s journey from dusty cellar find to potential treasure began when Andrea’s father, Luigi Lo Rosso, stumbled upon it while collecting items to resell. Clueless about art, Luigi framed the strange piece and hung it at home, much to his wife’s dismay. It wasn’t until Andrea recognized the scrawled “Picasso” signature and began researching its origins that the family pursued expert analysis. Dr. Cinzia Altieri, a handwriting expert, confirmed the authenticity of the signature, while art sleuth Maurizio Seracini’s chemical tests revealed clues linking the painting to Picasso’s time in Capri.
Despite the promising findings, the road to full authentication remains challenging. The Picasso Foundation in Málaga has so far refused to assess the painting, casting doubt on its legitimacy. While the Lo Rosso family awaits the foundation’s decision, the mystery surrounding the painting grows. If validated, this discovery could not only transform their fortunes but also add an intriguing chapter to the legacy of Picasso’s work during his time with Dora Maar. Until then, the portrait’s true fate hangs in the balance, teetering between skepticism and the possibility of a multi-million-dollar windfall.
