OLD PICTURE

Hokitika Guardian, 14 July 1930, Page 8

OLD PICTURE

POSSIBLY VALUABLE PAINTING

FOUND IN LUMBER ROOM IN CONVENT.

SYDNEY, July 3

Has another old .art treasure been brought forth into the light of day to find fame waiting for it, after lying hidden and forgotten in the dust of a lu.nlber room for years? Overhauling the cob-webbed miscellany of a little-used lumber room recently, the Sisters of Charity of the Monte Oliveto Convent at Edgecliff, Sydney, found what may yet take its place among other rediscovered and now valuable treasures—a fine oil painting almost live feet square,' and in excellent condition though, to the ordinary eye, quite old. . Realising its value from ail. artistic point of view, even if it were not a genuine Old Master, and making enquiries into its history, the Mother Superior found'that it had been given to the convent many years previously, long before her advent, and had lain undisturbed all this time. Little, more is known of its record. Apparently it was given to the cohvent by a wealthy family, which moved from the district. It came into the possession of the wealthy family when an artist became bankrupt, and had to sell his belongings. There is no ~ suggestion that this is one of' that particular artist’s work. The signature is quite obliterated, and art lovers, who have seen the picture say that it is some-' thing out of the ordinary. It is in the style of many centuries past, and depicts what is thought to be a scene at the death of Alexander. Two plumed and helmeted soldiers, one watching anxiously, bent over the young man from whose hand has fallen a goblet of wine. A young woman and a wide-eyed girl gaze on helplessly. There is no one in Australia who codld say that it is the work of an Old Master. This must be done by some world authority, and it is likely that the picture will lbe sent to London at an early date, to see whether it can be identified. The result of the examination will be ; awaited with/keen interest, especially by .tile .Convent, which might benefit substantially ini the way of finance.