An historic painting, spotted by a conservation advisor at Holy Trinity Church in Bradford on Avon, has been replaced by a replica photograph after the original was sold earlier this year.

Christ Blessing was created by Flemish artist Quinten Metsys in about 1500 and was given to the church in 1940 by a couple from Holt.

It was discovered by Simon Watney, a conservation advisor to the Church Monuments Society, in 2007.

Mr Watney and fellow art conservator Kiffy Stainer-Hutchins took several years researching the origins of the picture, which was then estimated to be worth more than half a million pounds.

In May 2010, the church was granted permission to sell the painting and the sale went ahead in March this year, although the price has not been revealed.

The painting has now been replaced by a photographic replica, which hangs in the same place, in the same 19th century-style frame that held the original.

Priest-in-charge the Rev Dr Joanna Abecassis said: “The painting by Quinten Metsys, discovered in Holy Trinity Church in 2007, has now been sold to a private UK collector for an undisclosed sum.

“The funds are held in a Diocesan Trust Fund, on behalf of the Parochial Church Council, and will be used to benefit the long-term future of the Church and its mission.” Money raised by the sale, which will go to Holy Trinity, cannot be used on covering the running costs of the church, but can be spent on major repairs and updates.

An architect has been appointed to help replace the floor and heating and create a new meeting room, kitchen and toilet.

Dr Abecassis added: “We want to make the church community-friendly and a space that can be used much more.”