Spain IDs previously unknown Bruegel masterpiece, plans to buy it for Prado museum

Spain IDs previously unknown Bruegel masterpiece

MADRID — Spain’s Culture ministry says experts at the Prado art museum have positively identified a previously unknown masterpiece by 16th-century Flemish painter Pieter Bruegel the Elder.

Culture Minister Angeles Gonzalez Sinde says the government is negotiating to buy “The Wine of St. Martin’s Day” from a private Spanish collection so it can be put on display at the Prado.

Gonzalez Sinde declined Thursday to say how much has been offered. But Spain’s El Pais newspaper reported the painting could fetch as much as €25 million if sold to the private sector.

She said the owners of the collection did not know it was a Bruegel when it was sent to the Prado for restoration and examination by experts.