Rare find: 100 Caravaggio drawings discovered in Italian castle

Italian art historians have made a staggering discovery that could re-write the biography of one of the Renaissance period`s most influential artists, Caravaggio. If authenticated, the works are expected to be worth nearly $900 million.

Over 100 drawings and some paintings were found in Sforza Castle in Milan, believed to have been done by the master when he was a young boy studying under the tutelage of painter Simone Peterzano.

They were part of a collection that has been in the castle - and accessible to historians - for years, but it wasn`t until experts Maurizio Bernardelli Curuz and Adriana Conconi Fedrigolli studied the works extensively that they realized they were Caravaggio`s.

The drawings show "the faces, bodies and scenes the young Caravaggio would use in later years," the experts told Italian reporters.

Some, however, are still skeptical of the discovery - including the local city council.

"The drawings have always been there, and have never yet been attributed to Caravaggio," said Elena Conenna, the council`s culture spokeswoman. The city, which owns the works, also said it "will be carrying out checks."

But the pieces could also significantly alter Caravaggio`s biography. The artist, most known for his chiaroscuro, or shadow and light technique, was always believed to be self-taught. But according to research done by Curuz and Fedrigolli, which led to the discovery of the drawing, he was actually an aristocrat by birth, and was surrounded by art and artists from a very young age.

Caravaggio also allegedly was the lifelong protégé of Costanza Sforza Colonna, in whose palace he lived with his grandfather. Through his aristocratic mentor, Caravaggio was later introduced to the powerful Barnabite Order in Milan, from which he received his first commission, the experts claim.

Caravaggio (1571-1610), born Michelangelo Merisi, is known as one of history`s most tormented artists. He frequently found himself in brawls and vicious beatings, and fled Rome after being sentenced to death for killing a romance rival.

sections: Culture