A new analysis of Leonardo da Vinci’sThe Virgin of the Rocksreveals a obscure composition once abandoned to make a version of the masterpiece we know today .
The delineation of the Virgin Mary alongside infants Saint John the Baptist and Christ was paint using crude on poplar wood around the turn of the 16th century . In all , the paintingmeasuresabout 190 centimeters ( 75 inches ) by 120 centimeters ( 47 inches ) . Hidden underneath The National Gallery in London ’s version of the painting are initial design for an holy person and an baby Jesus Christ portrayed in very dissimilar postures than how they come out in the finished painting .
“ In the desert composition both figure are set higher up , while the backer , facing out , is looking down on the Infant Christ with what appear to be a much tighter embrace , ” wrote The National Gallery in apress release .
More than a decennary ago , an analysis of the Virgin ’s pose prove that the piece of the painting had been changed throughout da Vinci ’s production of it , revealing breath of other figure that were thought to have been a part of the original design . These drawings were made with material that arrest atomic number 30 , a mineral that shows up in macro decade - ray fluorescence ( MA - XRF ) scan used by expert to authenticate and research historical paintings .
“ Why Leonardo vacate this first composition still remain a mystery . The new research has show how the second underdrawing , while align much more closely to the finished adaptation , withal expose his characteristic involution and adjustment from drawing to painting , ” aver the verandah .
Other subtle change were observed in the picture , such as the angle of the infant Christ ’s school principal , which rather point a visibility of his face , and the remotion of some of the holy person ’s curly hair . As well , handprints can be seen from someone who had dab down the primer coat so as to create an even layer across the panel , likely and assistant although it could be the work of da Vinci himself .
Three freestanding panels were to begin with made by da Vinco for the church of San Francesco Grande in Milan , Italy , in devotion to the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary made at the tour of the 16th hundred over a 16 - year span . One is presently house in the National Gallery in London , which was probably made to replace another version now housed at the Louvre in Paris .
The National Gallery will be indicate the Virgin of the Rocks at a multi - sensory showing across four rooms , allow visitor to research da Vinci ’s research and view for themselves different compositions seen in the picture .
“ By its very nature , much of the research we do at the National Gallery use up place in closed studio , laboratories and library . This is an exciting opportunity to not only share our innovative findings , but also to invite the public to explore and engage with what we have establish , ” said Dr Caroline Campbell , music director of Collections and Research , in astatement .
The exhibit is open to the public from November 2019 until January 2020 .
