Leonardo pupil Mona Lisa goes on show
Source: Agencies |
February 22, 2012, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
MADRID'S Prado museum has put a contemporary copy of Leonardo Da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" on display just weeks after rocking the art world with revelations about its provenance.
The Prado presented the completed restoration of a work yesterday that it has concluded was a replica painted by one of Leonardo's apprentices alongside the Renaissance master in his workshop.
"This is the oldest and most important copy of the famous painting known to date," Gabriele Finaldi, the Prado's director of research and conservation, told reporters.
For years the copy, which reveals a younger and brighter version of the face that has captivated crowds for centuries, was believed to be one of dozens of replicas made long after Leonardo's death.
The painting has belonged to the Prado since the museum was founded in 1819 with the Spanish royalty's art collection, but with a background covered in black and a frame believed to be of oak, frequent in the work of northern European artists.
Experts began a technical study when the Louvre requested it two years ago for an exhibition opening next month. They found it had been painted on walnut, just like the Mona Lisa, and infrared images showed traces of background mountains, just like in the original painting.
When conservators proceeded to remove a coat of varnish from the figure in the painting - who is believed to be Lisa Gherardini, the wife of Florentine merchant Francesco Del Giocondo - they uncovered important nuances of her 16th century dress and appearance.
The painting will be on display at the Prado until March 13, when it will travel to the Louvre in Paris to sit next to the original for a temporary exhibition.
The Prado presented the completed restoration of a work yesterday that it has concluded was a replica painted by one of Leonardo's apprentices alongside the Renaissance master in his workshop.
"This is the oldest and most important copy of the famous painting known to date," Gabriele Finaldi, the Prado's director of research and conservation, told reporters.
For years the copy, which reveals a younger and brighter version of the face that has captivated crowds for centuries, was believed to be one of dozens of replicas made long after Leonardo's death.
The painting has belonged to the Prado since the museum was founded in 1819 with the Spanish royalty's art collection, but with a background covered in black and a frame believed to be of oak, frequent in the work of northern European artists.
Experts began a technical study when the Louvre requested it two years ago for an exhibition opening next month. They found it had been painted on walnut, just like the Mona Lisa, and infrared images showed traces of background mountains, just like in the original painting.
When conservators proceeded to remove a coat of varnish from the figure in the painting - who is believed to be Lisa Gherardini, the wife of Florentine merchant Francesco Del Giocondo - they uncovered important nuances of her 16th century dress and appearance.
The painting will be on display at the Prado until March 13, when it will travel to the Louvre in Paris to sit next to the original for a temporary exhibition.
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