Events
Italian art historians have discovered a hidden image of the devil in a fresco by the famous Italian Renaissance artist Giotto. This enigmatic fresco has adorned the wall of the Basilica of St Franc in Assisi for centuries and until now no one has noticed that the clouds that artfully frame the fresco are hidden in the clouds that cleverly frame the fresco the contours of the devil's face profile. The fact is that the hidden image of the devil's face can only be seen on closer inspection. From below, from where visitors to the basilica usually view the frescoes, it is almost impossible to see an angrily smiling face.
The image of the devil on the fresco was discovered by Italian art historian Chiara Furgoni, who studies art history.
Giotto's enigmatic fresco depicts the death of Saint Francis. The masterpiece dates back to the 13th century. The artist himself, who painted the fresco, is considered the founder of the Italian Renaissance.
Until now, it was believed that the first artist to try to portraiture clouds was Andrea Mantegna, who worked in the 15th century. In 1460, Mantegna painted a portrait of Saint Sebastian, where in the clouds present in the painting, the artist hid the features of a mysterious horseman sailing across the sky.
The last restoration of St. Francis Basilica was carried out in 1997 after the earthquake.
Sergio Fusetti, head of restoration work at the basilica, believes that the artist may have painted the devil on the fresco as a joke, giving the devil a portrait resemblance to someone of his own an ill-wisher.