A PAINTING steeped in controversy and which for years hung above a Flintshire fireplace could sell for more than £1 million.

The de Brécy Tondo painting of the Madonna and Child – which has been subject to more than three decades of scrutiny over its authenticity – was housed in Leeswood Hall, near Mold, as part of the Wynne-Eyton family art collection.

The painting is believed to be a prototype for Raphael’s influential Sistine Madonna – which appears almost identical.

Extensive tests have been carried out to determine whether the picture was in fact produced by Raphael, with most concluding that it is likely.

More recently, Violet Fairbairn Wynne-Eyton hung it above the fireplace in her bedroom in Leeswood until she died in 1981.

Soon after, the painting was bought by art collector George Lester Winward at an auction at the hall.

Now the painting has been made available in an online auction next month with bids starting at £1 million.

Lord Barry Jones, the former Alyn and Deeside MP, said: “It’s rumoured to be from the collection of Sir Richard Wynne, who was a rich man, who may have got it on the continental tour.”

According to the website of the De Brécy Trust, the charitable foundation selling the work, it may have been given to him by Queen Henrietta Maria, consort to King Charles I, either to settle a loan or as a gift.

From here, the picture remained in the family for centuries, making its way into the possession of Mrs Wynne-Eyton, before it finally went for auction.

It is not known how long the de Brécy Tondo spent at Leeswood Hall – which was built for Mrs Wynne-Eyton’s relative Sir George Wynne in the 18th century.

Despite the controversy surrounding the painting, recent evidence suggests it was created before the Sistine Madonna and it has since been recognised as a genuine piece of art from the Renaissance era.

Professor Howell Edwards, professor of molecular spectroscopy at the University of Bradford, said: “In September 2004 I undertook Raman spectroscopic analysis of paint samples from the de Brécy Trust’s tondo painting of the Madonna and Child.

“The analysis found clear evidence of the use of the yellow (lead monoxide) pigment massicot.

“This pigment is considered to be in pre-17th century usage by artists.”

Professor Edwards said lead and a vegetable-derived, starch-based glue seemed to be present, which is considered typical of the Renaissance period.

He added: “From these analytical findings, I am entirely confident that the tondo painting is consistent with an early, pre-1700, Renaissance work."

If you would like to bid for the artwork, visit www.debrecy.org.uk.