Religious art thought to be 500 years old is found

A 500-year-old religious artwork has been discovered in a private collection in Guernsey.

Experts said it is from the workshop of important Flemish artist Pieter Coecke van Aelst, or by an artist in his circle.

The triptych, a painting displayed across three hinged panels, is due to go to auction next month.

Martel Maides Auctioneers have put a guide price on the artwork of £150,000-£200,000.

Jonathan Voak, Martel Maides’ painting specialist said the discovery was “exceptional and unique”.

“No signed and very few documented paintings by Pieter Coecke van Aelst have survived,” he said.

‘Its own peculiarities’

Pieter Coecke van Aelst was known to have operated a large workshop where numerous assistants produced works under his supervision.

Mr Voak said the triptych “bears a close resemblance to others ascribed to him”.

“This example is unique with its own peculiarities, not a copy or replica,” he said.

The subject of the religious painting is the Adoration of the Magi with Saint Joseph on the right and Balthazar on the left.

“Interestingly the artist has diverged from traditional practice by incorporating the figures in the wings into the central composition,” said Mr Voak

He added: “Normally at that time, the two wings were not integrated into the main subject in the centre.”

Born in Brussels, Belgium, in 1502, Pieter Coecke van Aelst was a talented painter, sculptor, architect, designer and language translator.

He worked mainly in Antwerp where he joined the Guild of Saint Luke in 1527 and received many major commissions including the design of stained-glass windows at Antwerp Cathedral.

Martel Maides said the importance of the “one of a kind” piece meant it could achieve “hundreds of thousands of pounds at auction”.

The auctioneers attribute the discovery of the painting to the successful sale of a lost Constable found in Guernsey, which was sold for £200,000 at auction in 2023.

“We are attracting significant works of art from private collections on the island,” said Mr Voak.

The same auction on 7 March will include four 17th century ‘old master’ drawings

The same auction on 7 March will include four early 17th Century “old master” drawings.

They are attributed to the circle of Sir Peter Paul Rubens, a Flemish master considered the most influential artist of the Flemish Baroque tradition, said Martel Maids.

The triptych and old master drawings will be available for public viewing in Guernsey at Martel Maides Auctions from 2 March.

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