Tests to begin on mystery ‘Caravaggio’ painting

ART officials yesterday unveiled the painting at the centre of the latest Caravaggio mystery, after the Vatican newspaper first suggested and then denied that the canvas was the work of the Italian master.

The Martyrdom of St Lawrence will now be subjected to X-rays and other analyses to ascertain its attribution. But art officials and scholars attending the unveiling agreed the painting did not look like a Caravaggio — but rather like the work of one or more of his followers.

“It’s a very interesting painting but I believe we can rule out — at least for now — that it’s a Caravaggio,” said art superintendent Rossella Vodret. “The quality of the painting doesn’t hold up.”