LONDON, UNTIED KINGDOM.- The Baptism of Christ by El Greco sold for £789,250 at an auction at Christie's. It dates from between 1567-70. It was rediscovered recently and was acquired by the Municipality of Crete, the birthplace of Domenikos Theotokopoulus. The work was found in an envelope by a Spanish family who had had it in their family sine the mid-19th Century but did not realise its importance.

Paul Raison, director and head of Old Master Pictures at Christie's, stated, "It was a fantastic event to witness the picture being sold to the Municipality of Crete, and we are particularly happy to know that the picture is going to such a fitting home."

Mayor of Heraklion, Yannis Kourakis, said: "We are ecstatic that we have managed to raise the funds and acquire this painting. It is such an important and beautiful piece, especially to the people of Crete, and we are happy that the picture will now be displayed in the artist's birthplace."