In a remarkable twist of fate, a painting discovered in a Capri basement by junk dealer Luigi Lo Rosso in 1962 has been authenticated as a genuine Pablo Picasso, valued at an astonishing $6.6 million. This unexpected find has captivated art enthusiasts and historians alike, shedding light on the serendipitous nature of art discovery and the stories behind forgotten treasures.

The Unassuming Discovery in Capri

Luigi Lo Rosso was no stranger to rummaging through abandoned properties in search of hidden gems for his family’s pawn shop. During a trip to Capri in 1962, he stumbled upon a peculiar painting that caught his eye.

• The painting featured:
  • An asymmetrical woman in striking red and blue hues
  • A signature that appeared to belong to Picasso

At the time, Lo Rosso had no idea of the painting’s significance. He brought it home, where it hung in his family’s restaurant and home for decades, completely overlooked. His son, Andrea, later recognized its potential but faced challenges in getting it authenticated.

A Family’s Journey to Authentication

In the 1980s, Andrea Lo Rosso began to suspect that the painting might be more than just a decorative piece. He noticed its resemblance to Picasso’s work, particularly the painting “Buste de femme Dora Maar.”

• Despite their efforts, the family encountered:
  • Rejections from art institutions for authentication
  • Experts who doubted its authenticity but were eager to buy it

The family’s persistence paid off when, in 2024, a graphologist confirmed the signature as authentic, estimating the painting’s value at $6.6 million. The Lo Rosso family is now awaiting the final verdict from the Picasso Foundation, which holds the ultimate authority on the painting’s authenticity.

The Painting’s Humble Origins

Luigi Lo Rosso’s initial reaction to the painting was far from reverence. He framed it cheaply and gifted it to his wife, who found it unappealing.

• The painting became a fixture in their home, where it was:
  • Hung on the wall for over 50 years
  • Dubbed “the scribble” by his wife due to its unusual depiction

In a twist of irony, she even cleaned it with detergent, unknowingly preserving a piece of art history. The family lived with the painting, unaware of its true value, until Andrea’s curiosity sparked a quest for answers.

The Road to Recognition

Andrea’s journey to authenticate the painting was fraught with obstacles. He and his family consulted various art dealers and historians, but their efforts were met with skepticism.

• They discovered that:
  • Picasso had visited Capri multiple times between 1930 and 1936
  • The painting could potentially have been created during one of those visits

Despite the lack of formal recognition, the family registered the painting with Italy’s patrimony police, hoping to protect it from illegal smuggling. Their determination to uncover the truth about the painting finally bore fruit when the signature was authenticated.

A Legacy of Art and Family

With the recent authentication, the Lo Rosso family stands on the brink of a significant moment in their history. While Luigi Lo Rosso passed away in 2021, his family reflects on his legacy as they await the Picasso Foundation’s confirmation.

• Andrea expressed:
  • A desire for the truth to be established
  • A lack of interest in financial gain from the painting

This story serves as a reminder of the hidden treasures that can lie in the most unexpected places and the importance of curiosity and perseverance in uncovering the past.