A LARGE oil painting by Italian artist Raffaello Sorbi is one of the star pictures lots in the Charterhouse two-day auction of pictures, books, sporting items, antiques and interiors on April 20 and 21 in Sherborne.

“It is a beautifully executed oil painting depicting the mortally wounded Corso Donati being transported by the monks of San Salvi to their Abbey.” Commented Richard Bromell. “Signed and dated 1867, it appears it is a slightly later version, probably commissioned by a wealthy patron, to the one he painted and exhibited which won him an award at the Florentine Triennale contest of 1861.”

Coming to the Charterhouse auction from an old farmhouse south of Bristol, it has been in the owner’s family for at least three generations. For some of this time the painting was hung in the children’s nursery although whether it gave the children nightmares or not is unknown!

Estimated at £20,000-30,000* it sits in a fine Florentine carved giltwood frame and is in original condition.

Charterhouse is now accepting entries for their spring programme of auctions including pictures, prints and books with a selection of hunting, shooting, fishing and other sporting items in April. They are also taking entries for their next specialist auction of classic cars in April and classic motorcycles in May.

For further information regarding these auctions, or to arrange a home visit, contact Richard Bromell at Charterhouse on 01935-812277 or email items for valuation at info@charterhouse-auction.com

( * plus Buyers Premium of 24% incl VAT)