The Discovery

Benvenuto Cellini, renowned for his extraordinary skills in goldsmithing and sculpting during 16th century Italy, has long been celebrated for his exceptional talents. However, a recent discovery of one of his portraits has unveiled a previously unknown facet of his genius—he was also a masterful painter. This revelation adds a captivating new layer of depth to his already impressive body of work. The newfound recognition of Cellini's prowess as a painter sheds light on his remarkable versatility and expands our appreciation of his artistic legacy.

In 2004, a remarkable discovery unfolded as Benvenuto Cellini's self-portrait came to light. Since then, this painting has been meticulously researched and studied by the world's most eminent art historians hailing from Italy, the U.K, and France. Remarkably, it stands as the sole known painted self-portrait executed by Cellini's own hand. Intriguing historical records reveal that the portrait once adorned Cellini's entrance hall, as noted in the notary's ledger of his estate upon his death in 1571.

What makes this revelation even more captivating is the role the portrait played as a key to unlocking a long-hidden secret. Art historians, with the aid of this self-portrait, embarked on a journey of discovery, unearthing the fact that Cellini had hidden his self-portraits throughout his body of work. For centuries, this secret remained concealed from the world, as the field of art history had lost knowledge of Cellini's facial features. The self-portrait not only provides a visual representation of the artist himself but also acts as a gateway to unraveling the enigmatic presence of Cellini's self-portraits scattered within his creations. It represents an extraordinary rediscovery and rekindles our understanding of Cellini's artistic vision and self-expression.