The painting, which was stolen from its owner's home in 1995 and miraculously recovered seven years later, has captivated art enthusiasts worldwide.

Considered an early masterpiece by the Venetian artist, "The Rest on the Flight into Egypt" boasts an intriguing history. It was once looted by Napoleon's troops and has been part of royal collections for centuries. The theft from the home of a British marquess in 1995 caused a stir in the art world. However, the painting's luck took a turn for the better when it was discovered in 2002 at an unassuming bus stop in southwest London, wrapped in a simple white and blue plastic bag.

The esteemed auction house, Christie's, hailed the painting as "the most important work by Titian to come to the auction market in more than a generation" ahead of the sale in April. The impressive sale price highlights the painting's impeccable provenance and the enduring beauty of this early Titian masterpiece.

"The Rest on the Flight into Egypt" is a small canvas measuring 18 1/4-by-24 3/4 inches. Art experts believe that it was painted around 1510, showcasing Titian's renowned use of the "colorito" technique. Titian's mastery of this technique, which emphasizes the expressive power of color, solidified his international fame as a painter of religious subjects, captivating portraits, and poetic renditions of mythological scenes.

Born Tiziano Vecellio in a small town in the Dolomite mountains, Titian arrived in Venice at the age of 10. His talent quickly gained recognition, and he achieved early success with his work on the facade of the Fondaco dei Tedeschi on the Venetian Grand Canal. Titian went on to become the principal painter at the court of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V until his death from the plague in 1576.

Aside from its record-breaking sale price, "The Rest on the Flight into Egypt" has also attracted attention due to its remarkable provenance. The painting's journey can be traced back to the early 17th century when it was documented as part of a Venetian spice merchant's collection. Over the centuries, it passed through numerous hands, including those of an English duke and Archduke Leopold Wilhelm of Austria. It was even looted from Vienna by Napoleon's troops but returned after the fall of the French emperor. In 1878, the painting found its way into the possession of John Alexander Thynne, the 4th Marquess of Bath.

The dramatic narrative of "The Rest on the Flight into Egypt" continued when it was stolen from Thynne's home in Wiltshire, southwest England, in 1995. However, against all odds, the painting was recovered in 2002 thanks to the determined efforts of Charles Hill, a prominent art detective. Hill found the artwork without its frame inside a bag at a London bus stop.

The recent sale of this exceptional Titian masterpiece signifies its enduring legacy and continued ability to captivate audiences across more than five centuries. Its acquisition by a fortunate buyer at Christie's further cements the painting's place among the most significant treasures of art history.