A remarkable 500-year-old ceiling painting has been uncovered during renovation work in Lüneburg, Germany, in what was most recently used as a supermarket. The discovery has surprised archaeologists and art historians, as the ancient artwork had been completely hidden from view for decades.
The historic painting was concealed beneath a suspended drop ceiling that had been installed in the building during its conversion to commercial use. Workers conducting renovation activities in the former supermarket made the unexpected discovery when they began removing the modern ceiling materials that had covered the medieval artwork.
The 500-year-old fresco represents a significant archaeological and artistic find, providing new insights into the building's rich historical past. The artwork dates back to the early 16th century, making it a valuable piece of Renaissance-era German art that has been preserved in remarkable condition despite being hidden for so many years.
The discovery highlights how historic buildings in European city centers have often been repurposed over the centuries, with their original decorative elements sometimes surviving beneath modern renovations. Experts will now work to properly document, preserve, and potentially restore the ceiling painting to ensure its protection for future generations.
