Two lost Raphael paintings discovered in Vatican during fresco restoration

Two masterpieces by Renaissance painter Raphael have been discovered in Vatican after 500 years — and they have been hiding in plain sight all along.

Experts believe the female allegorical figures of Freedom and Justice – depicted on the walls of the Room of Constantine in the papal apartments – are the work of the master painter.

Raphael was previously understood to have sketched the outlines of the images covering the reception room, but the actual paintings were thought to be painted by a group of lesser-known artists.

But during restoration of the room, where ultra-violet and infrared photographs were taken of the walls, it emerged that two of the figures were painted in oil, while the others were depicted using the fresco technique — a processes involving wet lime plaster.

Restorers were convinced the figures were the work of Raphael by the distinct brushwork.

The Vatican's chief restorer, Fabio Piacentini, told CNN the paintings were recognisably the work of the Renaissance artist because of "the way the paintbrush moves, even the subtlety of the point of the brushes used to create the small wisps of hair".

The figures are believed to be the last works of Raphael, who died at the age of 37 in 1520.