“We always felt it was impossible that Caravaggio left no record, no studies in the workshop of a painter as famous as his mentor,” Bernardelli told the Italian news agency ANSA.
“Every artist has a matrix style, unique to them that is distinguishable through the postures and body types in their sketches. They memorize them as students, learning by force of repetition, and carry them into maturity for their later works,” emphasized Bernardelli.
Who was Caravaggio?
Born in 1571, Caravaggio is considered the greatest Italian painter of his time. His real name was Michelangelo Merisi, and he studied under Peterzano from 1584 to 1588.
Many of his public commissions were religious works and depict famous biblical scenes in a naturalistic style with a dramatic use of lighting.
He died when he was just 38-years-old after a life that was permeated with violence and periods of time in jail. He killed a man in a fight in Rome, and the Pope issued a death warrant for him. But he then died on a beach south of Rome under mysterious circumstances after supposedly receiving a pardon.
Despite the professed rigour with which the stash of 100 paintings have been examined, various art experts told Channel 4 News they were sceptical about their authenticity.
Despite the professed rigour with which the stash of 100 paintings have been examined, various art experts told Channel 4 News they were sceptical about their authenticity. Art historian Cristina Terzaghi, who has written a book on Caravaggio, said the sketches were well known. “I had myself seen them. Their research must be carefully studied and verified by the scientific community,” she said.
The British art historian David Freeman said the art community would be “delighted” if it were true. “Much to the opposite of possible public belief, no one harbours a grudge or demeanour rubbishing every possible new attribution which turns up,” he told Channel 4 News.
But to convince the art community, an independent review would have to be made, Mr Freeman added: “Science and technology will perhaps prevail.”
Despite the professed rigour with which the stash of 100 paintings have been examined, various art experts told Channel 4 News they were sceptical about their authenticity. Art historian Cristina Terzaghi, who has written a book on Caravaggio, said the sketches were well known. “I had myself seen them. Their research must be carefully studied and verified by the scientific community,” she said.
The British art historian David Freeman said the art community would be “delighted” if it were true. “Much to the opposite of possible public belief, no one harbours a grudge or demeanour rubbishing every possible new attribution which turns up,” he told Channel 4 News.
But to convince the art community, an independent review would have to be made, Mr Freeman added: “Science and technology will perhaps prevail.”
Via: Channel 4 News