After the restoration of 5-meter wooden crucifix from the Florentine church critics found that its author himself is Giotto, but not his disciples, as was previously assumed

Restoration of the wooden crucifix from the beginning of XIV century Florentine church of Ognissanti (All Saints), which lasted nearly ten years, gave unexpected results: the experts were able to establish that the Cross-five meters in height was painted by Giotto . Earlier, the author thought the work a student or relative to the artist.

majestic painted with tempera on board, created in about 1310-1320, which for centuries has remained unheeded. The reason for that was heavy contamination of the surface, made a bright paint murals barely distinguishable. Crucifixion was kept in the sacristy of the Church of All Saints until 2002, when a restorer Paola Bracco (Paola Bracco) began work on it.

restorers had to remove tiny particles of pollution under a microscope. The assumption about the possible authorship of Giotto came from experts Florentine lab Opificio delle Pietre Dure already at work clearing and confirmed by further studies using infrared photography and radiography. Under the colorful layer was able to see preliminary sketches, which enabled experts on creativity Giotto crucifix attributing to him. Now assume that the cross of the Church of All Saints was written by Giotto after about 20 years after his famous Crucifixion in the Florentine church of Santa Maria Novella.

With cleaning and retouching on the cross is now clearly visible individual strokes and bright background of deep blue. To receive this tone Giotto used a colorful expensive pigment lapis lazuli (lapis lazuli).

In early November, will host an international press conference dedicated to rediscovered masterpiece, and then the crucifixion will take its pride of place in Florentine church of All Saints.

material was prepared by Maria Onuchina, AI

Sources: guardian.co.uk , artinvestment.ru