ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Belgian scholar attributes painting to Michelangelo based on initials, but expert disputes claim

cultural-heritage · 2026-03-21

A Belgian art historian has attributed a painting to Michelangelo based on stylized initials found on the work. However, scholar David Ekserdjian has challenged this attribution, arguing that the Renaissance master's complete body of work is already documented. The debate centers on whether the painting should be included in Michelangelo's established artistic canon. This disagreement highlights ongoing scholarly discussions about authenticating Renaissance artworks.

Key facts

  • A painting has been newly attributed to Michelangelo by a Belgian art historian
  • The attribution is based on stylized initials discovered on the artwork
  • Scholar David Ekserdjian disputes the attribution
  • Ekserdjian maintains Michelangelo's complete artistic output is already accounted for
  • The debate involves authentication of a potential Renaissance masterpiece

Entities

Artists

Locations

  • Belgium

Sources