Painting studied as possible Caravaggio
Italy marking 400th anniversary of artist’s death
ROME – The Vatican newspaper reported Saturday that a new Caravaggio painting may have been found in Rome, but cautioned that further analyses are required before it can be attributed for certain to the Italian master.
The front-page story in L’Osservatore Romano came out as Italy celebrates the 400th anniversary of Caravaggio’s death. This weekend, churches and a gallery in Rome housing works by the painter will stay open overnight to mark the anniversary.
The painting in question depicts “The Martyrdom of St. Lawrence” and belongs to the Jesuits in Rome, the paper said. It did not say where the painting was being studied or who was examining it.
“It is up to further analyses and an in-depth documentary, stylistic and critical examination to provide us with answers,” L’Osservatore Romano said.
“What is certain is that the painting is stylistically impeccable,” it said in the article.
Caravaggio died in the Tuscan coast town of Porto Ercole in 1610 at age 39. He had been hugely influential and famous, but had also led a dissolute life of street brawls and alcohol.
Italy has been marking the anniversary with a variety of events.