Michelangelo's Doodle Fetches $200K at NY Auction

A simple square, sketched by the hand of Renaissance master Michelangelo on a faded piece of paper, fetched an astounding $201,600 at auction -- 33 times its anticipated value. This revelation was made public by Christie's auction house this Wednesday.  

The little drawing was discovered adhered to the backside of a frame and it came with a letter from Michelangelo's last direct descendant. Initially, the artwork had been expected to fetch between $6,000 and $8,000. However, during the bidding process in New York City’s renowned auction house Christie's, it sold for "33.6 times its low estimate". The identity of the buyer has not yet been disclosed. 

The sketch is said to represent a block of marble and is inscribed with one single word: 'simile', which translates into English as 'similar'. According to experts at Christie's who spoke with AFP earlier this year in January, there seems to be strong evidence suggesting that this sketch was created while Michelangelo worked on his iconic masterpiece - The Sistine Chapel ceiling. 

Accompanying this drawing is an intriguing letter penned in 1836 by Cosimo Buonarroti – Michelangelo’s last known direct descendant. In it he presents Sir John Bowring (who would later become Governor of Hong Kong) with what he refers to as “the piece by my illustrious forefather”. Bowring’s signature can be seen at the bottom of this historic document. 

This unexpected find occurred when specialists from Christie’s happened upon both items attached behind another unrelated drawing that had resided within a private collection for multiple decades; according to information provided through their recent media statement. 

Despite lacking any sort of traditional artist signature or mark indicating that Michelangelo himself produced it; extensive research conducted by professionals affiliated with Christie's confirmed beyond doubt that indeed these humble lines were traced out under the guidance of Italy’s great artistic maestro. 

This discovery is incredibly significant, given that fewer than 10 such works by Michelangelo are known to exist outside of museums. Most of the Renaissance genius's sketches and drawings are housed in Casa Buonarroti, a museum dedicated to his life and work located in Florence, Italy. 

The sale of this drawing not only illustrates the enduring fascination with Michelangelo’s artistic prowess but also underlines the high value placed on historical artefacts linked directly to iconic figures from our past. It's worth noting that even though it may seem like an astronomical price for what appears as just a simple square scribbled on yellowed paper; its true value lies within its connection to one of history’s greatest artists -Michelangelo- and gives us a rare glimpse into his creative process.