Fingerprint Points To New Leonardo Da Vinci's Work

October 14, 2009

Is this chalk, pen and ink drawing made on animal skin a long-lost work by Leonardo da Vinci?

Leading scholars seem to have little doubt about the attribution. With her an elaborated hairstyle and dress, the aristocratic young girl in profile is almost certainly a work by the Renaissance master.

Amazingly, the portrait appears to have Leonardo’s fingerprint on it (just click here for the full story)

The news has gained worldwide attention. Indeed, if the experts are correct, the drawing will be the first major work by Leonardo Da Vinci to be identified for 100 years.

However, the attribution to Leonardo was already made a year ago by Alessandro Vezzosi, director of the Museo Ideale in the Tuscan town of Vinci, where the artist was born in 1452.

Vezzosi, who has extensively worked on the master’s fingerprints, published the portrait as a Leonardo in his book Leonardo Infinito, rechristening the picture as "Nuptial Profile Of A Young Lady."

"The attribution was made after a rigorous examination, which took into consideration artistic, historic, and stylistic aspects," Vezzosi told Archaeorama News.

The portrait will go on display next March at a show curated by Vezzosi.  Called And There Was Light: The Masters of the Renaissance Seen in a New Light, the exhibition will be held in the Eriksbergshallen, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Photo: courtesy of Museo Ideale Leonardo Da Vinci

Comments

[Jimzip]

It's absolutely stunning, whether or not it is an actual Leonardo. Luckily enough, I will be in Sweden next March, so I will be able to see it in person!

To think this sat in a collector's possession without the owner realising what it was also, that's brilliant. (I hear he sold it for around $150,000, and it's now valued at $150 million!)

These kinds of discoveries are some of the most fun. I can't imagine what else might be lying right under our noses. :)

Thanks Rossella.

Jimzip :D

[Jimzip]

Oh I just re-read the article, he sold it for $19,000. My mistake.

Jimzip :D