More than a year ago we wrote that finally, finally, explorative work was about to begin to solve the mystery of the missing Leonardo Da Vinci masterpiece. Well, more than a year later, it has done.
Yesterday saw the first micro-bores drilled into the artwork that is thought to be covering the elusive masterpiece, and they’ll be drilling more of them every night for a week or so. This has not happened without protest, from local art experts to local members of Berlusconi’s party, all of whom are calling foul as regards what they think is wilful damage to an existing masterpiece (by Vasari).
However, work is under way and in a week or two the video footage should all be in and an answer forthcoming. This article is in Italian, but there are a few photographs showing the scene of the operation. Or crime, according to your point of view.
Florence ticket booking from tickitaly.com
Update, 5th December 2011 – the number of micro-bores is now 4 and counting and in the last couple of days it has been confirmed that there is a gap between the current wall and older walls, a gap of between 1 and 2 centimetres, at least in the places that are currently being ‘explored’.
March 12th 2012, and another update. Announced today is the fact that ‘they’re looking in the right place’. The four key points are:
1. A micro-sample of ‘black material’ reveals the same chemical profile as present in the brown pigments of the Mona Lisa.
2. A sample of ‘red material’ reveals an organic structure unlikely to be found in a surface that is no more than standard plaster.
3. Visual observation made possible by the micro-bores reveal a beige coloured layer that appears to have been applied with a paint-brush.
4. There is definitely a space behind the outer panel, a space the likes of which is found nowhere else in the hall.
For now, that’s it. Everyone concerned is very encouraged and work goes on apace.