The Uffizi self portrait (left) and the new self portrait (right). Courtesy Alessandro Vezzosi
The most iconic and recognizable image of the Renaissance master Raphael (1483-1520), a self portrait on display at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, has come under scrutiny after an almost identical portrait emerged from a bank vault.
Published in the book “Raffaello Universale," presented today in Rome, the new portrait is likely to raise a strong debate in the art world.
“The two portraits are apparently identical, so it’s pretty natural to wonder which one is the real one,” Alessandro Vezzosi who co-authored the book with Claudio Strinati, general director of the Italian Ministry of Culture, told Discovery News.
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Although it is on display for the first time, the self portrait is not totally new to scholars. Historical records trace its existence back to 1885, when it was in the possession of the Riccis, a Florentine family.
In the 1930s, it caught the attention of writer Nicola Lisi, and later was attributed to Raphael by art historian Mario Salmi.
In 1984, the late art historian Gian Lorenzo Mellini published a study on the artwork, calling it a “new Raphael self-portrait.”
“The study raised a great interest in the art world. There were even plans to display the two portraits at an exhibition at the Uffizi. Unfortunately Mellini died, his discovery was forgotten, and the painting -- owned by private collectors -- returned to a bank vault,” Vezzosi, director of the Museo Ideale Leonardo Da Vinci, said.
According to Vezzosi, everything in the new portrait points to Raphael’s hand.
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“It is indeed a very fine painting, masterly done. Some details, such as the chin dimple, recall the most undisputed Raphael self portrait, the one in the The School of Athens fresco in the Vatican,” Vezzosi said.
Although a melancholy air is present in both paintings, the Uffizi portrait appears a bit dull in comparison, Vezzosi said.
“The new painting shows more intensity. Just look at the eyes -- sharp and vivid,” he said.
The portrait was dated to around 1505, when Raphael, who was born Raffaello Santi or Sanzio, was 22.
Some 10 years later, the painter of sweet Madonnas, had become one of the three most famous artists on Earth, together with Michelangelo and Leonardo.
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He garnered wealth and power and was acclaimed for his stunning frescoes in the Vatican's papal rooms.
In 1514, Raphael was even appointed over Michelangelo to serve as the architect in charge of St. Peter's Cathedral.
Indeed for centuries, he was considered the greatest modern painter in the West -- his artworks frequently copied and counterfeited.
Known since the 17th century, the Uffizi portrait's authenticity has frequently been a subject of debate. It has, however, become the best known image of Raphael, and was even printed on the Italian lira banknotes.
“Both paintings could come from Raphael’s workshop. We know that he made or had it made by his pupils several replicas of his works,” Vezzosi said.
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