A painting by Caravaggio that had long been considered one of his least popular works has been declared a “masterpiece” following its restoration.
Experts from the Prado Museum in Madrid have stripped away layers of dirt and oxidised varnish from David with the Head of Goliath that had over time obscured key elements of the Italian artist’s chiaroscuro brilliance.
The restoration work uncovered a section of radiant light around David’s head that had previously been lost as well as a correction made by Caravaggio along with two big tears in the canvas.
“This restoration shows us a new Caravaggio, giving us an image of the painting that was hitherto unknown, the authentic image of this great masterpiece that after so much time in the shadows,
