It has been one of the 20th century's most intriguing artifacts, a shroud measuring 14 feet, 4 inches by 3 feet, 7 inches, with what appears to be an imprint of Jesus Christ. The so called Shroud of Turin shows an image of the front and back of a man with long hair, with arms crossed in front, and what appears to be blood from wounds in the side, hands, and feet.
In 1988, carbon dating tests showed the shroud to date between 1260 and 1390 AD, proving a setback for the believers in its authenticity. Now, according to an Italian scientist, he was able to reproduce the image, undoubtedly proving that the Shroud of Turin was a clever reproduction.
"We have shown that is possible to reproduce something which has the same characteristics as the Shroud," Luigi Garlaschelli, who is due to illustrate the results at a conference on the para-normal this weekend in northern Italy, said on Monday.
A professor of organic chemistry at the University of Pavia, Garlaschelli made available to Reuters the paper he will deliver and the accompanying comparative photographs.
Garlaschelli reproduced the full-sized shroud using materials and techniques that were available in the middle ages.
They placed a linen sheet flat over a volunteer and then rubbed it with a pigment containing traces of acid. A mask was used for the face.
The pigment was then artificially aged by heating the cloth in an oven and washing it, a process which removed it from the surface but left a fuzzy, half-tone image similar to that on the Shroud. He believes the pigment on the original Shroud faded naturally over the centuries.
They then added blood stains, burn holes, scorches and water stains to achieve the final effect.
From the Upcoming ueue, submitted by Geekazoid.
This shroud is as bogus as all the pieces of the true cross or the bones of the apostles that are in so many churches and private hands. Stuff like this brings down criticism on Christians as gullible fools. The Virgin Mary appeared on my toast this morning!
It's okay for a Christian to accept the fact that the shroud of Turin is a fake. And also to accept the fact that medieval artists could paint lifelike pictures. Sheesh!