Restorers believe they may have found the initials of Giotto in a fresco attributed to the early Renaissance master in the lower basilica of St Francis in Assisi.
The discovery, unveiled yesterday, was made in the Chapel of St Nicholas, one of the last parts of the basilica-convent complex to be restored since it was damaged by an earthquake in 1997.
“This is clearly a type of signature. These are clearly initials and not a decoration,” said Sergio Fusetti, who restored the chapel, which is near the tomb of St Francis.
“It was not added on later but was done at the same time as the fresco, when the plaster was wet,” he said.
– (Reuters)
