Scientists from Rome's Tor Vergata
University have recreated Raphael's face in 3D and they say the
result proves that the human remains in his tomb in the Pantheon
do belong to the Renaissance master.
The 3D reconstruction was created by using a cast of the cranium
that was made when the remains were exhumed in 1833.
The experts then compared the reconstruction with the artist's
self-portraits and they concluded that they match.
"This research provides, for the first time, concrete proof that
skeleton exhumed in the Pantheon in 1833 belongs to Raphael,"
said Olga Rickards, a professor at Tor Vergata University who is
one of the world's top experts in molecular anthropology.
Italy is currently marking the 500th anniversary of the death of
the genius from Urbino.
The celebrations include an unprecedented exhibit on Raphael at
Rome's Scuderie del Quirinale.
It is biggest ever monographic exhibition on the Renaissance
master, featuring over 200 works.
Raphael died on April 6, 1520 at the age of 37.
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