A long-lost masterpiece by Renaissance painter Andrea Mantegna has been rediscovered in Pompeii, with scientific analysis confirming its authenticity, per artnet.com. The painting, a depiction of Christ’s descent from the cross, had been overlooked for centuries before art historians and Vatican experts identified it.
The artwork, which had been hanging unnoticed at the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary in Pompeii, was in poor condition due to aging and botched restoration attempts. However, an image of the painting posted in an online database caught the attention of Stefano De Mieri, a professor at Suor Orsola Benincasa University in Naples. Suspecting its historical significance, De Mieri’s inquiry led to Vatican Museum curators examining the piece in March 2022.
Under ultraviolet analysis, experts discovered remarkable details beneath layers of overpainting, confirming Mantegna’s authorship. “We immediately understood that under the layers of repainting, an extraordinary pictorial material was hidden,” said Vatican Museums director Barbara Jatta.
Mantegna’s Deposition of Christ was last documented in the 16th century in a letter by Neapolitan humanist Pietro Summonte. It was described as a remarkable depiction of Christ being taken down from the cross, executed by the renowned Renaissance master. The painting was originally recorded in the Basilica of San Domenico Maggiore in Naples before vanishing for centuries.
The restoration process, led by the Vatican Museums’ chief restorer Francesca Persegati, involved extensive scientific analysis to authenticate the painting. “Its iconography is linked to Renaissance models and a classicism typical of Mantegna,” said Vatican curator Fabrizio Biferali.
Despite confirming the painting’s authenticity, art historians remain uncertain about how the masterpiece made its way from Naples to Pompeii. Two known copies of the work exist, but experts agree that the rediscovered piece is an original.
The restored Deposition of Christ will be on display at the Vatican Museums’ Pinacoteca from March 20 for three months before being returned to the Pompeii cathedral.
- Featured image: Andrea Mantenga, Deposition of Christ. Image courtesy of the Vatican Museums
