A detail of a fresco by Giotto in the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi is seen in this picture released on November 5, 2011. Artrestorers have discovered the figure of adevil hidden in the clouds at the top of fresco number 20in the cycle of the scenes in the life anddeath of St Francis painted by Giotto in the13th century.The discovery was made by Italian art historian ChiaraFrugone and shows a profile of a figure witha hooked nose, a sly smile, and dark horns hidden among the clouds.
ROME (REUTERS).-
Art restorers havediscovered the figure of a devil hidden in the clouds of one of the most famousfrescos by Giotto in the Basilica of St Francis in Assisi, church officialssaid on Saturday.
The devil was hidden inthe details of clouds at the top of fresco number 20 in the cycle of the scenesin the life and death of St Francis painted by Giotto in the 13th century.
The discovery was madeby Italian art historian Chiara Frugone. It shows a profile of a figure with ahooked nose, a sly smile, and dark horns hidden among the clouds in the panelof the scene depicting the death of St Francis.
The figure is difficultto see from the floor of the basilica but emerges clearly in close-upphotography.
Sergio Fusetti, thechief restorer of the basilica, said Giotto probably never wanted the image ofthe devil to be a main part of the fresco and may have painted it in among theclouds "to have a bit of fun."
The master may havepainted it to spite someone he knew by portraying him as a devil in thepainting, Fusetti said on the convent's website.
The artwork in thebasilica in the convent where St Francis is buried was last restored after itwas severely damaged by an earthquake in 1997.
(ReportingBy Philip Pullella; Editing by Sophie Hares)
Fresco number 20
Tomb of St. Francis of St. Francis of Assisi
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