Did Giotto paint the Shroud?

The Holy Shroud, a 14 foot-long linen revered by some as the burial cloth of Jesus, is shown at the Cathedral of Turin

The Holy Shroud, a 14 foot-long linen revered by some as the burial cloth of Jesus, is shown at the Cathedral of Turin

Published Jun 10, 2011

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London - The Shroud of Turin was made by medieval artist Giotto, it was claimed on Tuesday.

The 14ft length of fabric, said to be the burial cloth of Christ, bears a faint image of a man and appears to be stained by blood. However carbon-dating tests have suggested it was produced between 1260 and 1390.

Now Italian art expert Luciano Buso has suggested that the original cloth deteriorated and Giotto was asked to make a copy.

He says several veiled appearances of the number 15 in the fabric indicate Giotto created it in 1315. Buso insists that it was common practice for artists of the time to insert partial dates into their works to guarantee authenticity.

He said: “He wasn’t trying to fake anything, which is clear from the fact that he signed it ‘Giotto 15’, to authenticate it as his own work from 1315.”

He came to his conclusion after examining photographs of the Shroud, which is kept locked away. - Daily Mail

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