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STORY: The work had been designated a French national treasure, which barred it from being exported from the country for 30 months. But the French government recently removed the designation, allowing the drawing to be offered without restriction to collectors anywhere in the world.

The drawing, 'A nude man (after Masaccio) and two figures behind', is thought to be one of Michaelangelo's early works, dating to the end of the 15th century.

The drawing, one of the few works of the Italian artist in private hands, was sold in 1907 in Paris and billed as a work of the school of Michaelangelo. It was largely forgotten until 2019, when a Christie's specialist recognised it as one of Michaelangelo's works.

The hammer came down at a price of 23,162,000 euros.