Discovery of a masterpiece signed Michelangelo: The Spirituali Pietà

The Pietà was identified following its acquisition by a collector who wishes to remain anonymous. In June 2020, the work appeared in the catalogue of the Wannenes auction house in Genoa. Presented as the work of an anonymous artist from the 16th–17th century, the auction catalogue description states that “the iconography of the painting expresses a heterogeneous figurative culture, dictated by Tuscan-Roman influences inspired by the models of Andrea del Sarto, Pontormo, Francesco Salviati and, of course, Michelangelo”. After contacting the auction house, the collector acquired it in February 2024. The painting arrived at his home in April 2024, and after a few days, while examining the painting, he discovered the presence of two signatures. He then decided to commission several scientific studies which, combining laboratory tests and in-depth