Bernardino Luini’s “Meeting of Mary and Martha”, between 1500 and 1540. Wood, oil. 69 x 79 cm.

The Discovery of Bernardino Luini’s "Meeting of Mary and Martha"

The painting was acquired by us at an auction in Germany as a work by a follower of Bernardino Luini. However, we had no doubt that it was an original work by the master himself. We conducted a chemical and technological examination, which confirmed that the painting was created in the first half of the 16th century. The composition of the paints and the technique allowed us to advance further in our research, but first and foremost, we restored the painting and removed the layer of varnish.

The Discovery of Bernardino Luini’s "Meeting of Mary and Martha"

The Discovery of Bernardino Luini’s "Meeting of Mary and Martha"

Experts Pierluigi Carofano, Claudio Strinati, and Emilio Negro, who independently studied the work, also concluded that the painting is an authentic work by Bernardino Luini himself. Following this, “Meeting of Mary and Martha” was featured in two “Leonardeschi” exhibitions in Turin and Venice, as well as an exhibition in China.

The Discovery of Bernardino Luini’s "Meeting of Mary and Martha"

Today, the work is in private ownership and represents an important part of the artist’s legacy.