'Portrait of a man', who was 18th-century Corsican independence leader, goes on sale

A 200-Year-Old Portrait of a Forgotten Hero: Pascal Paoli's Brush with History

On December 13, a centuries-old portrait is set to go under the hammer in Corsica, shedding light on the life of Pascal Paoli, an 18th-century independence leader whose name has faded into obscurity. The painting, measuring over 6 feet tall, was created by British artist Sir William Beechey and is believed to be one of the few authentic portraits of Paoli still extant.

Paoli, a Corsican patriot who declared his island's independence from Genoese rule in 1755, has long been revered as a champion of freedom and democracy. Yet, despite his significant impact on European history, he remains largely unknown outside of Corsica. This enigmatic portrait is set to change that narrative.

Completed before Paoli's death in 1807, the painting serves as a poignant reminder of his unwavering commitment to Enlightenment ideals. Its significance extends beyond its aesthetic value, as it represents a silent testament to an era when freedom was a radical concept.

The painting has been held by a private collector on Corsica for over two decades, with only a handful of people having had the privilege of seeing it in person. The auctioneer, Vincent Bronzini de Caraffa, is determined to ensure that this masterpiece returns to its rightful place – where it can be cherished and appreciated by the Corsican people.

De Caraffa's enthusiasm for Paoli's story is palpable. For him, the painting represents more than just a work of art; it embodies the essence of Corsica's history and the ideals of European freedom that Paoli embodied. As he noted, "This painting touches on the identity of our island and the ideal of European freedom."

Despite its cultural significance, the sale of this portrait has been hindered by Brexit-related red tape. The UK's exit from the EU has led to increased regulatory burdens for art dealers, making it more difficult for these masterpieces to be sold.

However, as De Caraffa wryly observed, "Corsica could have been English." His sentiments echo those of his colleague Eric Turquin, who lamented the impact of Brexit on the art market. London's reputation as a hub for old masters' sales has suffered significantly since the UK's departure from the EU.

The portrait is set to be displayed at the Hôtel Ostella in Bastia before its auction on December 13. As Paoli's legacy continues to inspire new generations, this painting stands as a testament to the enduring power of freedom and democracy – a message that remains as relevant today as it was two centuries ago.

just imagine seeing this massive painting in person, you know? like, 6 feet tall! can't even begin to think about how amazing it must be looking at something created so long ago by a famous artist... sounds like the auctioneer is super passionate about Paoli's story and wants to make sure it goes back to Corsica where it belongs

I can totally feel the excitement and history behind this ancient portrait It's amazing how much this painting can reveal about Pascal Paoli's life and values, right? The fact that he declared Corsica's independence from Genoese rule in 1755 is already pretty impressive. And now, to have this incredible brushstroke of Sir William Beechey's work up for auction... it's like a dream come true! I hope the painting gets back to its rightful home on Corsica where people can truly appreciate its significance It would be heartbreaking if Brexit-related red tape was to hold it back from reaching the people who need it most. Fingers crossed that everything falls into place and we get to see this masterpiece shine again soon!

I'm so down for this! It's insane that a portrait of Pascal Paoli can go under the hammer in Corsica without anyone knowing much about him outside of his island. I mean, he declared independence back in 1755 and yet we're still learning about him today. The painting itself is huge - 6 feet tall, whoa!

I love how Vincent Bronzini de Caraffa wants to make sure this masterpiece returns to its rightful place in Corsica where people can appreciate it. He's got a good point that this painting represents the essence of Corsica's history and European freedom ideals.

But, Brexit is like, super annoying, right? It's causing all these red tape issues with art sales, making it harder for masterpieces to get sold. London was supposed to be the hub for old masters' sales, but now it's struggling. Maybe Corsica can be the new hotspot instead?

I do love how this painting is a reminder of Paoli's commitment to freedom and democracy - those are values that still matter today!

I mean, can you even imagine a world without people like Pascal Paoli fighting for what they believe in? He's like, the OG hero . And to think this painting has been hidden away for so long... it's crazy how art can be both a work of beauty and a piece of history .

I know Brexit is a big deal and all, but come on, who wants their art sales controlled by red tape? It's like, the last thing you want to do when you're trying to make some cash . And what if this painting ends up in some random collector's house in England instead of Corsica? That would be a total tragedy .

I'm just glad we get to see this painting and learn more about Paoli's story. It's like, the more we know about our history, the better equipped we are to make a difference in the future . So let's all raise a virtual glass to Pascal Paoli and his brush with greatness !

I'm so down for an artwork that shows how important freedom is. I mean, Pascal Paoli fought for his people's rights way back in 1755 . It's crazy that he's not more well-known outside of Corsica. I think it's awesome that this painting is finally going to be sold and can bring attention to who he was and what he stood for .

It's a bit weird that Brexit has caused issues with the sale, though . You'd think art would be more important than just following rules, but I guess it's not always the case. It's good that Vincent Bronzini de Caraffa is so passionate about Paoli's story, and that he wants to make sure this painting goes back to Corsica where it belongs .

It's amazing how much of a difference someone can make with their actions, even if they're not as well-known. And I think it's cool that this painting can serve as a reminder of the importance of freedom and democracy for future generations .

this portrait is super cool, i mean who knew pascal paoli existed? he sounds like such an interesting guy, all about fighting for freedom and stuff what's crazy is that nobody really knows much about him outside of corsica... it's like his story got lost in time anyway, can't wait to see the painting in person if it sells

I'm not sure why everyone's making such a big deal about Pascal Paoli . I mean, sure, he's some old guy who declared independence for Corsica back in the 1700s, but so what? He wasn't exactly a game-changer in history, just a dude with an idea that didn't quite catch on . And don't even get me started on the whole "he embodied European freedom" thing – that's just a fancy way of saying he was a nationalist who wanted his island to be independent from Italy . The painting is cool and all, but it's not like Paoli's legacy is still relevant today or anything . I mean, what has Corsica done for Europe recently?

just saw this old portrait of Pascal Paoli go under the hammer in Corsica and I'm totally stoked ! This guy's story is so wild, like he declared independence from Genoese rule in 1755 and yet nobody outside of Corsica even knows who he was . The painting is like a time capsule, you know? It shows how passionate Paoli was about Enlightenment ideals and it's crazy to think that this masterpiece has been stuck with one private collector for years .

I mean, can you believe the Brexit drama holding up its sale? Like, come on, EU! You're gonna kill art sales over some red tape . The UK might be out of the EU, but Paoli's spirit lives on through this painting . I hope it goes to a good home and gets to shine in Corsica again . This is like, the ultimate test of freedom and democracy, you know?

omg u guys i just found out about this amazing portrait of pascal paoli it's so cool that his story is being brought back to life after 200 yrs ! i mean who even knows who he is lol but its clear that he was super important in european history . the fact that he declared corsica's independence from genoese rule in 1755 makes me wanna learn more about him ASAP .

i also heard that this painting has been held by a private collector on corsica for over two decades and only like 2-3 ppl have seen it in person . can u even imagine how rare and special that must be ?

anyway i think its awesome that ppl are trying to make sure his legacy lives on especially since brexit is making it harder for art sales to happen . i feel bad for the artist who made this painting, sir william beechey , cuz now his work might not get the recognition it deserves .

i wonder how many people are actually going to bid on this painting at the auction on dec 13 tho

Oh my goodness, can you believe this stunning portrait is going up for auction?! I mean, who wouldn't want to own a piece of history like this? Pascal Paoli's story is so inspiring - fighting for freedom and democracy in the 18th century? Mind. Blown. The fact that it was painted by Sir William Beechey makes it even more special! What an amazing way to celebrate Corsica's heritage! I hope whoever buys it will appreciate its cultural significance and display it proudly - can you imagine how incredible it would look in the Hôtel Ostella?

It's about time someone brought Pascal Paoli into the spotlight . I mean, who needs reality TV when you have a 200-year-old portrait of a forgotten hero? It's like, how many times do we need to be reminded that freedom is cool and stuff? Anyway, it's not like this painting is going to change the world or anything... but hey, Corsica might as well get its due recognition for having produced someone who was apparently pretty important . The fact that Brexit has been holding up the sale is just, like, soooo relatable... "Oh no, our art market is suffering because of our own government's mistakes"... how original.

omg can u believe this painting is finally gonna be sold?! i mean its been in private collection for like 20 years already and no one gets to see it! its so cool that its gonna represent the history of corsica and freedom ideals what a way to make history come alive!

I'm so stoked about this old portrait going up for auction! It's like, totally amazing to think about this guy Paoli, who was all about freedom and stuff, but somehow got forgotten . I mean, can you even imagine having a painting of someone that iconic just chillin' in some private collector's house for decades? It's wild.

And the fact that it's been held up by Brexit red tape is just, like, so extra . But seriously, it's crazy how much this painting could change the narrative around Paoli's legacy. I'm all about celebrating our history and the people who shaped it .

I love that Vincent Bronzini de Caraffa is all about sharing Paoli's story with the world – he's like a guardian of sorts . And Eric Turquin's point about London being less of a hub for art sales since Brexit? Yeah, I get it. But at the end of the day, this painting is more than just some old art piece – it's a reminder that freedom and democracy are still super relevant today .

I'm gonna be keeping an eye on this auction, for sure ! Who knows what kind of magic will happen when this masterpiece goes under the hammer?

I think this sale is gonna be super interesting . It's like, the EU and UK are having this whole Brexit drama, but meanwhile, Corsica is trying to save its piece of history. I mean, if the UK's exit from the EU has made it harder for art dealers to sell these masterpieces, that just highlights how fragile our global economic system is .

It's like, what's the point of all this Brexit red tape? Can't we just focus on celebrating Paoli's legacy and promoting European unity? It's not like his story is gonna change with a few regulations or something . The fact that Corsica can barely afford to care for its own cultural heritage is a bigger problem than any EU regulation.

Anyway, I'm excited to see how this painting sells and what kind of attention it brings to Paoli's forgotten history . It's time we start talking about the people who paved the way for our modern democracy, not just our politicians .

gotta feel for pascal paoli, right? like, he's been a total unsung hero in history books, but you can tell from this painting that he had big vision . and it's crazy to think that his legacy has kinda faded over time... i mean, Brexit or whatever still makes sense though - london's art scene got seriously disrupted with all the EU drama . but for real though, it's cool that this painting is getting some love again . maybe we'll see more people talking about paoli and his impact on history?

This is so cool! I think this portrait of Pascal Paoli is like super important because he actually did fight for what's right back in the day. It's crazy how his story has been forgotten, but now people are getting to know him again. I'm just sad that Brexit caused some problems with selling art... it's like, who needs all that extra red tape?! But I guess this is a good thing because it means more people will get to see and learn about Paoli's legacy. He was really a champion of freedom and democracy, and it's awesome that his story is still inspiring new folks today!