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Italy's $4M 'Michelangelo' Triggers Furor

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted May 25, 2009 9:40 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Did Michelangelo actually create a small (16-inch) wooden carving of a crucified Jesus or did the Italian government get taken for a $4 million ride? Some experts believe passionately that the piece, now on exhibit in Naples, is the work of the master. But as the BBC reports, others blast the label as a deliberate ploy by the government to use the religious carving to curry favor with the Catholic church and religious conservatives.

"When it comes to this statue, it is like comparing a Ford with a Ferrari," scoffs one professor. "It is like it has come off a production line and could have been made by any one of a dozen wood carvers of the time. All this is making Italy look foolish."

David wonders, is that carving really a Michelangelo?
David wonders, is that carving really a Michelangelo?   (Getty Images)
Some experts insist a 15th century wooden carving on display in Naples was created by Michelangelo, while others say it's all just government propaganda.
Some experts insist a 15th century wooden carving on display in Naples was created by Michelangelo, while others say it's all just government propaganda.   (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)
If carvings could speak ...
If carvings could speak ...   (AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito)
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art • Italy • sculpture • Christ • culture • Florence • Michelangelo • Jesus Christ • crucifiction

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