Italy basilica bust re-attributed to Michelangelo after centuries in obscurity

A marble bust that has stood for centuries in one of Rome's basilicas has been reattributed to Michelangelo after nearly 200 years of obscurity, according to research presented on Wednesday (March 4).

The sculpture, depicting Jesus Christ, has been preserved in the Basilica of Sant'Agnese fuori le mura. It had been attributed to Michelangelo until the early 19th century, but later lost its authorship and remained unattributed until now.

Italian independent researcher Valentina Salerno has relinked the sculpture to the Renaissance master after studying documents, inventories and correspondence in archives for ten years. She is a member of the Vatican committee for the celebrations marking the 500th anniversary of Michelangelo's birth.

The documents challenge the long-held narrative that Michelangelo systematically destroyed unfinished works late in life. Instead, the sources suggest that drawings, studies and some marble sculptures were carefully transferred within a trusted circle after the artist's death.

The research outlines a discreet network through which unattributed works were moved to religious institutions and secondary storage sites, where they remained embedded in functional settings rather than entering the art market. The Sant'Agnese bust, which now stands in a side chapel of the basilica, appears to be part of this process.

Salerno, who was assisted by academic Michele Rak, a former professor at the University of Siena, explained that she is "not an expert in ... the art sector, the art market, art in general." However, she described her discovery as "revolutionary" because "it changes the biography and the entire path of history of these hidden works by Michelangelo."

Production: Gabriele Pileri, Clara Schoenthaler/Reuters