The sketch in red chalk was made by Michelangelo prior to work on the Sistine Chapel in the early 16th century.
Christie's says that the seller did not seem to know who made the sketch, but recently submitted a photo of it for appraisal. The auction house then determined it was a genuine Michelangelo and valued it at approximately $1.5 million.
However, there are only around ten drawings by Michelangelo in private ownership, and bidding therefore ran much higher.
“In the more than 23 years I have been in the industry, I have had the privilege of experiencing many wonderful moments around the old masters - but today tops it all,” says Andrew Fletcher, head of Christie's.
