Experts knew sculptures were by Michelangelo because they have 'eight-packs'

Two bronze sculptures have been attributed by experts to Renaissance artist Michelangelo, with the biggest clue being that they had “eight-packs”.

The one-metre tall muscular models, known as the Rothschild Bronzes, were the subject of a four-year research project lead by the University of Cambridge to determine whether or not the sculptures were by the Renaissance master.

The decision by the publication to attribute them to Michelangelo was made partly because the two men, who are depicted naked and riding panthers, exhibited anatomical peculiarities that were unique to Michelangelo's work.

"There are certain anatomical anomalies which appear on the bronzes and many of Michelangelo’s other works, such as the eight pack," Dr Victoria Avery, Keeper of Applied Arts at the Fitzwilliam Museum, told the Standard.

"Most people with well developed muscles only have a six pack, but actually in a few people you get an eight pack or even a ten pack. Many of Michelangelo’s drawn and painted and sculpted nudes have this anatomical anomaly, and so it seems as though he must have had a male model who displayed this particular feature."

The works, dated around 1508, also exhibit a sophisticated knowledge of anatomy that was possessed by Michelangelo and very few other artists of the time.

This publications’s conclusion, if accepted, would makes them the only bronze sculptures by Michelangelo known to be in existence.

In 2002, the sculptures were sold through Sotheby’s for just over £1.8 million, a figure which looks to be eclipsed by hundreds of millions if the new evidence sees them officially attributed.