14 OCTOBER 1922, Page 3

In November, 1913, the Field, adopting Mr. Dibblee's conclu- sions,

published an article attributing the work to Leonardo. There is naturally a wholesome scepticism among most people about such bold attributions. They remember Herr Bode's catastrophic downfall over his ascription to Leonardo of the Lucas wax bust. But the interesting point now is that Signor Venturi, after examining all the arguments, has unreservedly declared his opinion that " this most beautiful work is the only example of Leonardo's carving known to us." This is not merely a daring declaration but a very generous one, as he has shown no trace of jealousy of the foreign researchers who made an incursion into his own preserves. We should like now to know what Mr. Berenson will have to say.