Madrid  - The Colossus, long regarded as one of the masterpieces of Spanish artist Francisco de Goya (1746-1828), was done by another painter, Madrid's Prado museum confirmed Monday in a study published on its website.

The experts who participated in the study suggest that the work, emblematic of Spain's 1808-14 war for independence from France, during which it was created, may have been done by Asensio Julia, a little-known assistant to Goya.

The painting in dark tones, which shows a giant from the rear, walking behind frightened people, had been regarded as one of the highest expressions of Goya's art since it was incorporated into the Prado's permanent collection in 1931.

An analysis done under adequate lighting and using laboratory analyses, however, reveal the limitations of its technique, light and colour, according to the study.

The physiology of the giant also does not match that of human figures painted by Goya.

The study includes detailed analyses of the history of The Colossus, its technical characteristics, composition, style and meaning, comparing them with works by Goya.

The presence of the initials AJ on the painting contribute to the hypothesis that The Colossus was done by Valencian painter Asensio Julia (1760-1832), one of Goya's main assistants, few of whose works are known.

On the basis of the study, the Prado was expected to decide what to do with The Colossus, which was excluded from a recent Goya exhibition after doubts about its authenticity had surfaced. (dpa)