The art world is abuzz with the Prado Museum’s unveiling of what is likely the earliest copy of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the masterpiece as it would have appeared in the 16th century. Art enthusiasts and historians are celebrating the discovery, which has been hidden in plain sight within the museum’s collection for years, as a significant window into the past.
The piece, believed to be painted by da Vinci’s student simultaneously in the same studio, has been displayed occasionally over the years, but its significance was only realized during recent restoration efforts. Gabriele Finaldi, the museum’s deputy director collections, encapsulated the significance of the find: “It is as if we were in the same studio, standing at the next easel.” This proximity in creation lends the copy an authenticity and immediacy that other replicas lack, making it a rare artifact indeed.
Underneath layers of black paint, added in the 18th century for reasons that remain a mystery, restorers uncovered a Tuscan landscape that mirrors the original. Further analysis revealed that changes made during the painting process paralleled those seen in the original, suggesting that the student and master worked side by side, their canvases evolving in tandem.
Miguel Falomir, the Prado’s director for Italian painting, remarked on the profound new perspective this copy provides: “to admire the ‘Mona Lisa’ with totally different eyes.” Indeed, the vibrant colors and visible details, such as the subject’s eyebrows—absent in the aged original—offer a fresh take on the iconic image.
The copy, once believed to be just one among many replicas, has seen its status elevated thanks to the Prado’s technical specialist, Ana González Mozo, who noted that the underdrawing of the Madrid replica was similar to the original. “It is quite possible that Leonardo’s assistant met Lisa and may even have been present when she sat for the master.She may also have come to the studio when finishing touches were being applied to the face in the painting,” said Ms Mozo. This, coupled with the Louvre’s endorsement of the Prado’s new evaluation, reinforces the copy’s historical value.
This discovery not only enriches our understanding of da Vinci’s work but also revitalizes interest in his studio’s practices and the capabilities of his students. Art lovers can now witness a version of the Mona Lisa that more closely aligns with how she looked when first painted—youthful and radiant. This restores a dimension of the masterpiece that time had obscured.
The Prado Museum intends to share this revelation with the public before loaning it to the Louvre for a forthcoming exhibition. There, it will be reunited with its more famous counterpart, allowing visitors to compare and appreciate the artworks side by side—a rare opportunity to traverse time and witness the genesis of a masterpiece through the eyes of both Leonardo da Vinci and his dedicated apprentice.
Relevant articles:
– TIL that there is a better preserved exact copy of the Mona Lisa, made by one of da Vinci’s students simultaneously in the same studio as Leonardo. It shows details that are not visible in the Mona Lisa anymore.
– Mona Lisa copy painted by Leonardo da Vinci’s student unveiled in Madrid, Daily Mail, Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT
– Mona Lisa painting by Da Vinci’s student found in Madrid, Romania-Insider.com, Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT
– Spain’s Prado Museum Puts Mona Lisa ‘Twin’ on Display, Naharnet, Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT