Bust found in rubbish 'is by Leonardo Da Vinci'

A 600-year-old terracotta bust found beneath a pile of rubbish in an Italian palazzo may be the work of Leonardo Da Vinci.

The work, showing a sorrowful-looking man believed to be St Jerome, is thought to be by the Renaissance master because of its exquisite craftsmanship, expressive power and realism.

Initially the bust, found in the Palazzo Chigi Saracini in Siena, was thought to be by Andrea del Verrocchio (1435-1488), who worked at the court of Lorenzo de' Medici in nearby Florence.

The nose, forehead and ears are damaged but Perugia University historian Giancarlo Gentilini said there was a "strong possibility" it was by Da Vinci.

He said: "It probably wasn't an autonomous work but an exercise in anatomy and physiognomy, a model to study, draw and eventually translate into painting or sculpture."

The skull is similar to Da Vinci's painting of St Jerome in the Wilderness which hangs in the Vatican Museum.