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Is this 600-year-old terracotta bust Leonardo Da Vinci's lost masterpiece?

A 600-year-old terracotta bust discovered beneath a pile of rubbish in an Italian palazzo may be by Leonardo Da Vinci, art historians said today.

Experts believe the work, showing a sorrowful-looking man, is St Jerome because of its exquisite craftsmanship, expressive power and realism is by Da Vinci.

Initially the bust, found in the Palazzo Chigi Saracini in Siena was thought to be by Andrea del Verrocchio (1435-1488), who worked at the court of Lorenzo de' Medici in nearby Florence.

The nose of the bust as well as the forehead and ears have been damaged but Perugia University art historian Giancarlo Gentilini said there was a 'strong possibility' it was by Da Vinci...
Read entire article at Daily Mail (UK)