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Did Giotto create the Shroud of Turin?

An Italian art historian believes that the Shroud of Turin was created by the famous artist Giotto de Bondone in 1315. The linen cloth, which bears an image many believe to be Jesus Christ, was meant to be a replica of an older shroud.

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Luciano Buso explained that he found Giotto’s name and the number 15 hidden in the imprint of Christ’s face and hands, which he believes was secretly added by the artist.

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Buso, who is also an art restorer near Venice, thinks that an older shroud existed, but was damaged by years of being on display throughout Europe. Therefore, church officials commissioned Giotto to create a replica, because he was “one of the best known and most able painters of the medieval age.”

The Shroud of Turin depicts a man who appears to have been crucified. Historical records first mention the shroud in the 14th century, and it is believed to be a holy relic by the Roman Catholic church. In 1988 radiocarbon dating tests showed that the shroud was made around the 14th century, although these findings have been disputed. Many theories have been postulated about the Shroud of Turin’s origins.

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Bruno Barberis, the director of the Shroud of Turin Museum, told the Telegraph that he doubts this theory, noting that the work is not a painting, and that it is very debatable that the tiny figures Buso sees are names and numbers. He said, “there’s a long list of scholars who have enlarged images of the shroud and seen all sorts of things that don’t exist – a crown of thorns, words in Aramaic and Greek and Latin. It’s like looking at the moon and thinking you can see eyes, a nose and a mouth.”

Giotto (d.1337) was one of the most famous artists of the early Italian Renaissance, who created numerous paintings throughout the country. His famous works include frescoes done in Padua, Assisi and Florence.

See also:

Shroud of Turin goes on display

The Knights Templar and the Shroud of Turin

Giotto’s beautiful art can once again be seen through ultraviolet light

Source: Daily Telegraph

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