Scientists crack some secrets of Mona Lisa
July 18th, 2010 - 11:06 pm ICT by Aishwarya Bhatt
Berlin, July 18 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Researchers say they have discovered some new secrets of the famous Mona Lisa paintings. The scientists say they studied seven of Leonardo da Vinci’s paintings in this endeavor.
The famous Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo da Vinci. Scientists say the great artist used a technique they refer to as “sfumato” in his paintings. It involves using successive ultra thin layers of paint and glaze. Researchers say that gives his paintings the special and unique quality that they are noted for.
Researchers from Center for Research and Restoration of the Museums of France said Leonardo’s paintings of Mona Lisa had about 30 layers of the “sfumato” technique. The researchers say the layers are very thin and are less than 40 micrometers.
The scientists used a technique called X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy to study the Italian’s works. According to the scientists, the technique that was developed in collaboration with the European Synchrontron Radiation Facility in Grenoble. The tool is so precise that it allows them to study for these paintings in this manner for the first time and they are able to find out the mix pigments used by the Italian artist.
The painting of Mona Lisa is arguably the most famous painting in the world. The painting, which is also called Portrait of Lisa Gheradini, is owned by the Government of France and it is on display at the Louvre Museum of France.
- Why Leonardo Da Vinci's faces were so perfect - Jul 16, 2010
- Scientists find key to Da Vinci's lively paintings - Jul 16, 2010
- Scientists Crack Secrets Of Flawless Mona Lisa Painting - Jul 18, 2010
- French Scientists Crack Secrets Of The Purportedly Inscrutable Mona Lisa - Jul 18, 2010
- Scientists unlock secret behind Mona Lisa's mystic smile - Aug 23, 2010
- Secret of Mona Lisa smile revealed - Aug 22, 2010
- Historians search for Mona Lisa remains - May 02, 2011
- Gian Giacomo Caprotti Was The Muse For Mona Lisa Portrait, Italian Researchers Say - Feb 03, 2011
- Was Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa a man? - Feb 03, 2011
- Mona Lisa's 'twin sister' found 500 years later - Feb 02, 2012
- Professor uncovers hidden literary references in Mona Lisa - Jan 07, 2011
- The eyes have it: More mystery unfolds in Mona Lisa painting - Dec 13, 2010
- 'Mona Lisa' model remains 'found in Florence municipal dump' - Oct 12, 2010
- Mona Lisa landscape location found - Jan 10, 2011
- Hunt for Mona Lisa: Archaeologists find new tomb - May 13, 2011
Tags: endeavor, government of france, grenoble, italian artist, leonardo da vinci, lisa gheradini, louvre, louvre museum, micrometers, mona lisa, museums, painting, paintings, pigments, radiation facility, scientists, sfumato technique, thin layers, x ray fluorescence, x ray fluorescence spectroscopy