Recent tests on two versions of *Saint Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata*, housed in the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Royal Museums of Turin, have failed to detect brushwork consistent with 15th-century artist Jan van Eyck. These near-identical unsigned paintings have long been attributed to Van Eyck, a key figure of early Northern Renaissance art.
The analysis used advanced imaging techniques to examine the paintings’ surface and materials. The findings suggest that the works may not have been created by Van Eyck himself, raising doubts about their provenance and authorship.
**Why this matters**
Jan van Eyck is considered one of the most important painters of the 15th century, and his works are rare and highly valued. Confirming the authenticity of paintings attributed to him is crucial for art history, museum collections, and the art market. This new evidence could lead to a reevaluation of the paintings’ origins and impact the understanding of Van Eyck’s artistic legacy.
Source: NewsData