The Metropolitan Museum of Art (MOMA) renounces claims that a painting purchased for $45 million is a phony. The painting is reportedly the most expensive one purchased by the museum to this date.

The museum released a statement that they had "no reason to doubt" the authenticity of Madonna and Child. The artwork is attributed to medieval artist Duccio.

Art history professor James Beck declared that the was an "unpleasant" forgery.

While Professor Beck believes the painting dates from the late 19th Century.

In a statement, however, the museum said the painting has been "carefully examined... as a matter of course".

The painting, a Madonna and Child is reportedly done by Duccio di Buoninsegna was the foremost painter of early Renaissance Siena.