It is well known that Rome is one of the cities with the most works of art in the world.
This is not just a perception, but rather a fact supported by history: having been a center of power for over two thousand years, generations of artists worked in Rome and left their works as a legacy.Almost everything is known about Michelangelo's works. It is estimated that he pursued numerous architectural projects: churches, domes, and paintings, including the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel. He also created more than 50 sculptures, which was his favorite medium.At the church of Santa Agnes Outside the Walls, a bust has been rediscovered that is also attributed to the Florentine artist.
Researcher Valentina Salerno concluded this after a deep study and analysis that lasted over 10 years. Salerno is not an art historian, but she made the discovery after consulting extensive documentation, wills, diaries, and inventories.
Although it was believed to represent the face of Christ the Savior, it actually depicts Tommaso de Cavalieri. He was a friend and collaborator of Michelangelo, and considered in his time “the most handsome man in Rome.”The statue was previously thought to be anonymous. Salerno found it while she was searching for the hidden place where Michelangelo stored much of his work before his death. Many of these pieces were left unfinished. The hiding place was a room in the church of San Pietro in Vincoli.Salerno was advised to visit Santa Agnes, managed by the Order of the Canons Regular of the Lateran, because there was a bust that might interest her. However, other Michelangelo experts have yet to confirm her attribution. The now-famous bust, hidden for nearly 200 years, currently attracts visitors almost every day. The statue is in a side chapel of the Basilica of Santa Agnes, on Via Nomentana in Rome.
