X-ray scientists authenticate Caravaggio’s Medusa paintingFebruary 24, 2012 - 21:40 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Italian art sleuths announced on Friday, February 24 they have successfully authenticated a painting of the snake-haired Medusa from Greek mythology as the work of 17th-century master Caravaggio using X-ray technology. "The X-rays allowed us to see some sketches under the surface. This is therefore a creation, not a copy," Caravaggio expert Mina Gregori said in Rome at the presentation of a book about the project which has lasted several years. The round painting has a diameter of 50 centimetres (20 inches) and is a smaller, earlier version of a Caravaggio Medusa in Florence's Uffizi Gallery. The legend of the Medusa monster being slain by the heroic Perseus was popular among Florence's famous ruling family and art patrons, the Medicis. Gregori said the painting could be dated to between 1597 and 1598, making it "the most important work from the youthful period" of the artist. The painting, which shows the decapitated head of the Medusa, is held by a private Italian collector and is currently kept in a safe in London. Michelangelo Merisi (1571-1610), or Caravaggio, is known as one of history's most tormented painters. He was involved in frequent brawls and vicious beatings and fled Rome after being sentenced to death for killing a love rival. He died of fever as he was returning to Rome and was buried in a mass grave. Top stories The creative crew of the Public TV had chosen 13-year-old Malena as a participant of this year's contest. She called on others to also suspend their accounts over the companies’ failure to tackle hate speech. Penderecki was known for his film scores, including for William Friedkin’s “The Exorcist”, Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining”. The festival made the news public on March 19, saying that “several options are considered in order to preserve its running” Partner news | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |