The oil on copper of Ecce Homo that sold for €120,000 (£102,830) at Adam’s of Dublin.
Estimated at £500-800, a small Old Master painting of Christ wearing the crown of thorns drew spectacular competition at Adam’s of Dublin on April 9. It came from an institution in the Irish capital which the saleroom said was “doing some spring cleaning”. It were given the pick of around 100 paintings.
The 13½ x 9½in (34 x 24cm) oil on copper was catalogued as ‘Italian School (19th century)’ but was eventually knocked down at €120,000 (£102,830), plus 20% buyer’s premium. The winning bidder in the room, taking instructions via his mobile phone, saw off the Italian underbidder as well as phones from Ireland and the UK.