X-rays were used to peer into the chemical structure of a tiny speck of Leonardo da Vinci's celebrated work of art.
, scientists have gained new insight into the techniques that Leonardo da Vinci used to paint his groundbreaking portrait of the woman with the exquisitely enigmatic smile.
Carmen Bambach, a specialist in Italian art and curator at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, who was not involved in the study, called the research “very exciting” and said any scientifically proven new insights into Leonardo’s painting techniques are “extremely important news for the art world and our larger global society.”
The scientists peered into its atomic structure using X-rays in a synchrotron, a large machine that accelerates particles to almost the speed of light. That allowed them to unravel the speck’s chemical make-up. Plumbonacrite is a byproduct of lead oxide, allowing the researchers to say with more certainty that Leonardo likely used the powder in his paint recipe.“Plumbonacrite is really a fingerprint of his recipe,” Gonzalez said. “It’s the first time we can actually chemically confirm it.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
A baby, a new home, a breakup: These Thanksgiving 'firsts' created new traditions for CanadiansSometimes a life change comes along and upends long-held traditions. Readers share stories about their first time celebrating Thanksgiving in a new way.
Read more »
New Corner Brook hospital to receive new radiation therapy machineA new radiation therapy machine, the Linear Accelerator, has arrived in Corner Brook. The new machine will be added to the new Western Memorial Regional Hospital. NL Health Services says the new machine will expand cancer care services in the region. Over the next several months, installation, commissioning and testing of the machine will take […]
Read more »
Lawyer warns new Mali Mining Code might deter new investorsThe new Mali Mining Code allows the government to take a 10% stake in new mining projects, while also giving the State the option to buy an additional 20% within the first two years of commercial production. London-based partner at US law firm Boies Schiller Flexner, Timothy Foden, says this is a considerable increase in ownership compared with the country’s prior Mining Code.
Read more »
SIMMONS: A new Maple Leafs season brings another new version of Auston MatthewsExplore stories from Atlantic Canada.
Read more »
SIMMONS: A new Maple Leafs season brings another new version of Auston MatthewsAuston Matthews is the Maple Leafs best player. He is one of the best players in the world. The one thing missing: A Stanley Cup ring
Read more »
SIMMONS: A new Maple Leafs season brings another new version of Auston MatthewsAuston Matthews is the Maple Leafs best player. He is one of the best players in the world. The one thing missing: A Stanley Cup ring
Read more »