Newly Discovered Michelangelo Drawing Sells for $27.2M at Christie's

The red-chalk study for the Libyan Sibyl figure in the Sistine Chapel ceiling sets a new auction record for the artist.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A previously unknown drawing by Michelangelo, identified as a study for the Libyan Sibyl figure in the artist's Sistine Chapel ceiling, sold for $27.2 million at Christie's in New York. The work, submitted by an anonymous owner who had it hanging on a wall for years, set a new auction record for a Michelangelo drawing, surpassing the previous high of $24.3 million.

Why it matters

The discovery and record-setting sale of this newly authenticated Michelangelo drawing underscores the continued fascination and value placed on the works of the Renaissance master, considered one of the greatest artists of all time. The drawing's provenance, from an anonymous owner who had it hanging in their home, also highlights the possibility that other undiscovered Michelangelo works may still be out there.

The details

Christie's specialists determined the red-chalk drawing was a study for the foot of the Libyan Sibyl figure in Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling. After months of authentication research, including infrared analysis and comparisons to other known Michelangelo drawings, the auction house concluded the work was authentic. The drawing sold after 45 minutes of bidding, surpassing the previous auction record for a Michelangelo work.

  • The drawing was submitted to Christie's online 'Request an Auction Estimate' portal in March 2025.
  • After months of authentication research, the drawing was sold at Christie's Old Master and British Drawings sale in New York on February 6, 2026.

The players

Michelangelo

The renowned Italian Renaissance artist, considered one of the greatest artists of all time, known for his iconic works including the Sistine Chapel ceiling and the statue of David.

Christie's

The renowned international auction house that handled the sale of the newly discovered Michelangelo drawing.

Giada Damen

A specialist in Old Master drawings at Christie's who led the authentication process for the Michelangelo drawing.

Andrew Fletcher

The global head of Old Masters at Christie's who placed the winning bid on behalf of a client for the Michelangelo drawing.

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What they’re saying

“In the 23-plus years I have been in the industry, I have been privileged to see many wonderful Old Masters moments, but today topped them all.”

— Andrew Fletcher, Global Head of Old Masters, Christie's (Christie's)

“This one jumped out for the quality of the drawing. Often what we receive are reproductions or copies, or drawings that are not of the highest quality.”

— Giada Damen, Old Master Drawings Specialist, Christie's (The Times of London)

What’s next

The anonymous owner who submitted the drawing to Christie's has said they always assumed it was a copy, not an authentic Michelangelo work. The new owner of the record-setting drawing has not been publicly identified.

The takeaway

The discovery and sale of this newly authenticated Michelangelo drawing underscores the continued reverence and value placed on the works of the Renaissance master, and the possibility that other undiscovered Michelangelo masterpieces may still be out there waiting to be found.