A previously unknown masterpiece by Pablo Picasso has been unveiled in Paris, marking one of the most significant art discoveries in recent years. The painting, which had been hidden in a private collection for decades, represents a major addition to the renowned Spanish artist's documented body of work and is expected to fetch millions at auction.

The artwork, dating from Picasso's Blue Period in the early 1900s, was authenticated by leading art experts after extensive analysis and provenance research. The painting measures approximately 24 by 18 inches and depicts a melancholic figure rendered in the characteristic blue tones that defined this pivotal period in Picasso's career. Art historians believe the work was created around 1903, during the artist's time in Barcelona following his friend Carlos Casagemas's suicide.

The discovery came to light when the heirs of a French collector decided to have their inherited artworks evaluated. The painting had been acquired by their ancestor in the 1940s, but its true attribution had never been properly established. After months of scientific analysis, including X-ray examination and paint sample testing, experts from the Picasso Administration confirmed its authenticity.

Delphine Ernotte-Cunci, who serves as president of France Télévisions, attended the unveiling ceremony at a prominent Parisian gallery. The event drew art collectors, museum directors, and Picasso scholars from around the world, all eager to witness the emergence of what many are calling a 'lost treasure' of 20th-century art.

The painting will be exhibited publicly for the first time at the Musée Picasso in Paris before being offered at auction later this year. Experts estimate its value could reach between $15 million and $25 million, making it one of the most valuable Picasso discoveries in recent decades. The proceeds from the sale will benefit the heirs of the original collector, who have expressed their intention to donate a portion to art preservation charities.