MOSCOW, February 3 (RIA Novosti) - An original painting by great Renaissance artist Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1573-1610) was discovered in a small museum in Odessa. According to experts, the artists created three similar paintings. The price of the Odessa find has not been fixed yet, however, its Rome analogue was sold for several million euros, reports the web site www.1tv.ru.
The painting was kept at the museum for about 100 years. Till recently it was believed that this is a copy of The Taking of Christ made by an unknown artist. The authorship was established in Spain where the painting was exhibited.
"Italian experts stick to their point of view. That is why we have the right to close this issue. Undoubtedly, this is original Caravaggio," said Lyudmila Saulenko, deputy director of the Odessa museum.
The painting was taken back to Odessa with great care in a special hermetic package.
The painting was brought to Odessa in the beginning of the 20th century. It was bought at an action in Paris as a copy of Caravaggio.
