“New” works by Old Masters turn up all the time in places like Italy — especially Italian churches. So it’s not surprising perhaps that one of the latest discoveries took place in St. Anthony the Abbott Church in San Polo. There, a fresco — some art historians say — is at least partly by the hand of Piero della Francesca.
San Polo is about a 165 miles to the north and west of  in the hills just above Arezzo, where Piero created his famous Legend of the True Cross frescoes. A few weeks back, the Italian press published articles, including this one, about the current theories. Those studying the work think that the face, at least, which was previously thought to be by Agnolo di Lorentino, a student of Piero della Francesca, is by the master himself. And perhaps parts of the body are too — that’s what they are working on now.Â
This is study is also calling into question the dating of the Legend of the True Cross — currently c. 1452-56. There’s a thought that it may be earlier, more like 1447.
Of course, there’s reason to take this all with a grain of salt: the locals in San Polo hope that the fresco, if it is certified as as Piero, will attract tourists to the church.
What do you think? Is it or isn’t it?