Two decorative tiles which were once spurned by burglars have now been identified as rare Renaissance treasures missing for more than a century.
The plaques had hung in the hallway of the modest property in Shaftesbury, Dorset, for more than 30 years, with the owners unaware of their significance.
Fortunately, burglars who broke into the house a few years ago were similarly lacking in their knowledge of the classical revival - and completely ignored the pieces.
Experts have now concluded they are part of a historic 16th century collection and believe they could fetch £120,000 at auction.
It came after the occupants sent photos of the tiles to an auctioneers to find out more about them.
The plaques were instantly recognised for their importance and experts arranged to visit the house.
Upon closer inspection, the specialists identified the tiles as early 16th century maiolica plaques by celebrated Renaissance artist Francesco Xanto Avelli.
Both ceramics were marked with his initials 'F.X.R', with the R standing for the Italian city of Rovigo where he was born.
They are part of a prestigious collection of 39 plaques Xanto painted in 1536 for his Persian history series and have been missing for more than 100 years.
Other examples are displayed in The Louvre.
Both of the rediscovered tiles depict scenes from the life of King Cyrus.
One, numbered four in the series, is titled 'The Baby Cyrus exchanged for the Shepherd's son'.
The other, numbered ten, is titled 'Cyrus encouraging the people of Persepolis to fight Astyages'.
The plaques had hung in the hallway of the modest property in Shaftesbury, Dorset, for more 30 years, with the owners unaware of their significance
Upon closer inspection, the specialists identified the tiles as early 16th century maiolica plaques by celebrated Renaissance artist Francesco Xanto Avelli
Further research has revealed that the plaques were brought over to England by Sir Andrew Fountaine, who picked them up on a Grand Tour of Europe in 1714-15.
It is an unverified family legend that they were acquired directly from Cosimo Medici III.
Sir Andrew displayed them in his 'Octagon Closet' for china at Narford Hall in Norfolk.
They were sold at auction in London in 1884 to General Augustus Henry Lane Fox Pitt Rivers of Dorset.
The tiles remained in the Pitt Rivers family until several decades ago when they were gifted to the vendor's parents.
They are being sold individually at Woolley & Wallis, of Salisbury, Wilts, with estimates of £40,000 to £60,000.
John Axford, chairman of Woolley and Wallis, said: 'The rediscovery of these two Xanto plaques is the sort of event that happens perhaps once in a generation.
'Hidden from public view for more than 140 years, they represent a thrilling survival from one of the most celebrated groups of Renaissance maiolica ever created.
'Their impeccable provenance, tracing back to Sir Andrew Fountaine's legendary collection and carrying a fascinating connection to the Medici court in Florence, only adds to their significance.
'We are thrilled to bring these extraordinary works back into the spotlight and to offer collectors and institutions a truly rare opportunity to acquire works of such exceptional historical importance.'
Neil Grenyer, head of ceramics at Woolley & Wallis, said: 'The vendors must have had them for 30 or 40 years.
'They knew they were nice objects because they had been gifted to their parents by the Pitt Rivers, but they were not aware of quite how significant they were.
'There was a burglary at the house but that the plaques were completely ignored.
'Myself and John Axford went to the property having done some research and we believed they were by Xanto.
'When we arrived and saw the three initials and were therefore reasonably certain they were by him.'
The sale takes place on October 22.