AN OLD painting by Neapolitan artist Francesco di Rosa of St Catherine of Alexandria will be put on display before being auctioned off. 

The painting, from the early 1600s, is to be displayed in Wareham's Grange Gallery in South Street over the bank holiday weekend.  

It will then be auctioned in South Dorsetshire Auction's Fine Art Sale on the September 15, estimated at between £8,000 and £12,000. 

It has been in the same family for several hundred years and arrived in the UK when they relocated here 60 years ago. Auctioneers believe the painting has not been offered for sale before.  

Auctioneer Mark Croucher said: "The vendor's family is from Naples and this is one of several early 17th century paintings on offer in our Fine Art auction, along with more contemporary artist's works.  

“The vendor's grandfather was an Italian baron, and a distant relative was a count at the Neapolitan court in the early 17th century so it is possible they were bought from the artists directly. “ 

He added: "The owners Jason and Esme are incredibly knowledgeable about fine art and have helped us greatly since they opened.  

“They lovingly restored the Georgian townhouse which is their shop and I can't think of a better setting for a first public viewing of Di Rosa's masterpiece."