Madrid - The Colossus, one of the most famous paintings attributed to Spanish master Francisco de Goya (1746-1828), was almost certainly not his work, experts at Madrid's Prado art museum said Thursday.

The painting, which shows a giant from the rear walking behind frightened people, does not correspond to "the technique, way of painting, symbology, metaphores and poetryof Goya," Goya expert Manuela Mena said.

The Prado tentatively attributes The Colossus to Asensio Julia, a little-known collaborator of Goya who was influenced by his art. The Colossus carries the initials AJ on the left of the canvas.

The Prado will, however, wait until its investigations have concluded before definitively ruling out Goya as the painter.

The Colossus, painted between 1808-1812, was not included in a Goya exhibition which was inaugurated in April. It is currently on show in another room displaying paintings by Goya. (dpa)