Thousands of drawings by ‘Caravaggio’ unveiled

A COLLECTION of more than 1,000 sketches, some of which are thought to have been by 16th-century Italian artist Caravaggio, were unveiled at Milan’s Sforzesco Castle yesterday.

If proved authentic, the drawings could be worth up to €700 million (£553m), art historians said, and would add to the Italian city’s rich artistic collection, which includes Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper.

“If these really are Caravaggio’s drawings they would be worth much more than that figure,” Milanese architect and the city’s councillor for culture Stefano Boeri said, adding that non-invasive scientific work needed to be carried out to prove the works were from the hands of a young Caravaggio.

“The problem is that not one of Caravaggio’s works were signed with his name,” Mr Boeri added.

The collection of up to 1,200 sketches found in the studio of Caravaggio’s master Simone Peterzano, now held within the castle’s walls, are owned by the city of Milan.