20 Potential Michelangelo Works Discovered in Rome

Researcher claims Renaissance master hid his sketches and sculptures, sparking renewed search

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A Roman researcher named Valentina Salerno believes she has identified 20 previously unknown or uncertainly attributed works by Michelangelo. Salerno's research suggests the Renaissance master didn't destroy his sketches and sculptures as previously believed, but rather hid them away and entrusted his apprentices and friends with safeguarding the pieces in a secure location.

Why it matters

If confirmed, this discovery would substantially expand the known body of work by one of history's most important artists. The revelation has sparked a renewed effort to identify and attribute these lost Michelangelo pieces, highlighting the evolving role of technology and historical research in art attribution.

The details

Salerno's study 'Michelangelo gli ultimi giorni' details her meticulous archival research, which indicates Michelangelo concealed his work using a multi-key system. While the hiding place itself remains empty after over 400 years, the recent sale of a sketch attributed to Michelangelo provides a tangible example of this unfolding process. The research has been supported by various institutions and experts, including the Canonici Regolari Lateranensi del Santissimo Sacramento, Professor Michele Rak, and Cardinal Mauro Gambetti.

  • Salerno's research was published in 2026.
  • A sketch of the foot of the Libyan Sibyl was recently sold at Christie's, where auction house historians followed Salerno's attribution trail.
  • The Fabbrica di San Pietro has established a committee to evaluate potential research into these newly identified works as part of the celebrations marking the 550th anniversary of Michelangelo's birth in 2025.

The players

Valentina Salerno

A Roman researcher who believes she has identified 20 previously unknown or uncertainly attributed works by Michelangelo.

Canonici Regolari Lateranensi del Santissimo Sacramento

An organization that has supported Salerno's research.

Professor Michele Rak

An expert who has supported Salerno's research.

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti

An individual who has assembled a scientific committee comprised of experts from leading museums worldwide to continue the research.

Fabbrica di San Pietro

The office responsible for the maintenance of St. Peter's Basilica, which has established a committee to evaluate potential research into these newly identified works.

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What they’re saying

“This discovery signals a broader trend in art history – a convergence of traditional archival research with cutting-edge technology.”

— Valentina Salerno, Researcher

What’s next

The scientific committee assembled by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti will continue its work to verify and potentially add to the known Michelangelo canon as part of the celebrations marking the 550th anniversary of the artist's birth in 2025.

The takeaway

The potential rediscovery of Michelangelo's lost works highlights the importance of collaboration between art historians, scientists, and institutions in the evolving field of art attribution, where traditional research and cutting-edge technology work hand-in-hand to uncover and authenticate historical masterpieces.