Leonardo da Vinci, “Virgin of the Rocks.” Tracing of the lines relating to underdrawing for the first composition, incorporating information from all technical images . Infrared reflectogram mosaic, APOLLO (InGaAs sensor), recorded 23rd January 2019. 16bit output. Assembled from 2 sub-images (d01 and d02). © The National Gallery, London.
A deep dive into Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Virgin of the Rocks” (ca. 1491/2-9 and 1506-8) has revealed unexpected images of now-hidden drawings lying underneath its surface.
15 years ago, it was revealed that the Virgin Mary’s pose had been changed during Leonardo’s process of completing the work. However, this month, London’s National Gallery announced the findings of its even closer look into the famous artwork, depicting a haloed Virgin Mary with an infant Saint John the Baptist and Jesus Christ.
Leonardo da Vinci, “The Virgin with the Infant Saint John the Baptist adoring the Christ Child accompanied by an Angel” (‘The Virgin of the Rocks’), Oil on poplar, thinned and cradled 189.5 x 120 cm © The National Gallery, London
Using advanced techniques including infrared and hyperspectral imaging, they were able to reveal Leonardo’s original design, which is vastly different than the final product. In the initial sketch, an angel wraps an infant Jesus Christ tightly in her arms, while she and Mary gaze at him lovingly from a distance. The findings were made possible because of the presence of zinc in the drawing material, which was made visible in the macro x-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) maps revealing its outline. Leonardo’s motivation to rework the canvas is still unclear to researchers.
Detail from hyperspectral imaging data, revealing the drawing for the angel and baby of the first composition (under the landscape at the right side of the painting) © The National Gallery, London
“By its very nature, much of the research we do at the National Gallery takes place in closed studios, laboratories and libraries,” said Dr. Caroline Campbell, Director of Collections and Research. “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 found.”
Infrared reflectogram mosaic, APOLLO (InGaAs sensor), recorded 23rd January 2019. 16bit output. Assembled from 2 sub-images (d01 and d02). Tracing of the lines relating to underdrawing for the first composition, incorporating information from all technical images © The National Gallery, London
Organizations worldwide are celebrating the 500th anniversary of the polymath’s death. National Gallery is opening an immersive exhibition, Leonardo: Experience a Masterpiece, on November 9, 2019.
