Italians say they may have found Caravaggio bones

[May 15, 2010]  ROME (AP) -- Italian researchers say they may be close to identifying the remains of Caravaggio, the great Italian painter whose death 400 years ago is shrouded in mystery.

The researchers have been studying bones found in a Tuscan town where Caravaggio died in 1610. They said Friday that carbon dating and other analyses show that one set of bones belonged to a man who died in the same period as the artist and at an age between 37 and 45. Caravaggio died at 39.

Team leader Silvano Vinceti said this same set of bones also has high levels of lead and other metals associated with painting.

The group will now conduct DNA testing, with results expected in about two weeks.

Caravaggio died in Porto Ercole, Tuscany. To this day, his remains are officially missing.

[Associated Press]

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