MADRID: “The Colossus,” one of the best-known paintings attributed to Francisco Goya, is in fact the work of an apprentice of the Spanish master, experts at Madrid’s Prado Museum revealed on Thursday.

The painting depicts an angry giant towering over a valley of fleeing people and animals in what is believed to be allegory of Spain’s resistance to the French troops of Napoleon Bonaparte during the 1808-1814 Peninsular War. The canvas had been thought to be the work of Goya, who lived from 1746 to 1828.

But Goya experts from the Prado, where the painting is kept, said they have concluded it was done by his apprentice, Asensio Julia. They first had doubts about “The Colossus” when they launched a study of Goya’s works while preparing an exhibition in 1991, and further studies have revealed inconsistencies with Goya’s style.

“Goya put finishing touches on all his characters, and even on animals, but in The Colossus, the hooves of the horses, bulls and donkeys are not finished,” said Manuela Mena, who is in charge of Goya works at the Prado.—AFP