Restorer Claims Caravaggio Painted Angel in Bernate Ticino Deposition

Restorer Carmelo Lo Sardo argues that the angel in Simone Peterzano's 'Deposizione di Cristo' at the Church of San Giorgio in Bernate Ticino was painted by a young Caravaggio. The work, commissioned between 1584 and 1585, dates to Caravaggio's apprenticeship in Peterzano's Milan workshop (1584–1588). Lo Sardo, who restored the painting, cites stylistic evidence: the angel's 'hard and uncertain' brushwork contrasts with Peterzano's softer handling of Christ, yet displays extraordinary grace and color sensitivity. He notes the angel's bare shoulder in a preparatory drawing (Castello Sforzesco) confirms it predates the final work. Art historian Paola Caretta in 2009 compared the drawing to Caravaggio's 'Musicians' (Met) and 'Agony in the Garden' (Berlin). Maurizio Calvesi in 2012 linked the same drawing to Caravaggio's 'St Francis in Ecstasy' (Hartford). Gerard Maurice-Dugay, collaborator of Denis Mahon, affirms 'the light of Caravaggio' in the angel. Lo Sardo estimates Caravaggio was 16 or 17 at the time. The painting was unveiled in 2011 after restoration.