An art restorer at the Vatican has discovered what may be the first Western painting of Native Americans, hidden under grime in a fresco finished in 1494.
The painting is Pinturicchio’s “ Christ’s Resurrection ,” and the newly uncovered figures—-“nude men, who are decorated with feathers and seem to be dancing”—-appear in the background of the scene. Antonio Paolucci, the director of the Vatican Museums, says they seem to be based on Columbus’ account of his first trip to the New World. More details are available in the Telegraph .
h/t The Dish
