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MNN Global · February 6, 2026 · 1 min read

Michelangelo foot sketch sells for £16.9m at auction

What happened: A newly discovered sketch of a foot, believed to be of the Libyan Sibyl from the Sistine Chapel ceiling, sold for £16.9 million at Christie's auction.

Why it matters:

  • The sale highlights the enduring value and interest in Renaissance art and Michelangelo's work.
  • It provides insight into the artist's preparatory process for one of his most famous frescoes.

MNN Take: This sketch is a rare example of Michelangelo's preliminary drawings, offering a glimpse into how he planned his iconic Sistine Chapel paintings.

Sources: BBC Entertainment & Arts