The Mona Lisathe masterpiece of Leonardo da Vincihas become an enigma that continues to captivate experts and art enthusiasts, keeping its mystery intact throughout the centuries. Painted between 1503 and 1506, this piece stands out not only for its exceptional technique but also for the many questions it raises. Now, the controversy revolves around the place where the work was portrayed since two versions have conflicted in recent weeks.
Since its creation, the Mona Lisa has generated many speculations and they mainly revolve around the identity of the figure portrayed. Some art historians suggest that it could be Lisa Gherardini, a Florentine noblewoman known as “La Gioconda”. The lack of contemporary documents that clarify who posed for Leonardo da Vinci contributes to perpetuating the mystery.
The enigmatic expression of this woman, often described as a smile that changes depending on the angle from which it is looked at, has also been the subject of numerous investigations. Some scientists have used detailed analyzes of the painting to discover how da Vinci achieved this effect. The technique known as sfumatoused masterfully by the painter, has been essential to achieve a softness of contours that transmits that ambiguous expression.
Another of the great mysteries surrounding The Mona Lisa it’s about your setting. Since its publication, it has never been possible to discern the background surrounding the figure portrayed by da Vinci, but in the last few hours, a geologist surprised the world by expressing that she has revealed this mystery during her last trip to Italy.
A few weeks ago, after an investigation coordinated by the historian Silvano Vinceti, it was determined that the bridge that appears drawn in one corner of the painting corresponds to a real geographical point that could be the Romito or Valle Bridge, located in the province of Arezzo (Italy). But in the last hours, the geologist and art historian, Ann Pizzorusso, He denied his colleague by stating that the location of the background of the iconic painting is different.
According to his detailed geological analysis, the landscape presented in the work of Leonardo da Vinci could be based on the city of Leccolocated on the southeast coast of lake como in Italy. This revelation is supported by a meticulous study that Pizzorusso has kept secret for more than 30 years.
Pizzorusso visited Lecco three decades ago to follow in the footsteps of Leonardarmed with the diaries and drawings of the polymath of the Renaissance. In an interview with cnn, Pizzorusso highlighted that “in his notebook he mentions having been in Lecco,” and that he worked in the area as an engineer. Although the project in which Leonardo was involved was cancelled, the geological sketches made by him remained.
Analysis of Leonardo’s drawings, especially one made in red chalk of a mountain range near Lecco, allowed Pizzorusso to identify a characteristic rock pattern that appears in the background of the Mona Lisa. This drawing belongs to the Windsor Royal Collection in London. The geologist noted, “if you look at the bottom, you will see pinnacles. “It is a type of erosion that occurs in limestone that has fractures and breaks into blocks, almost like a sawtooth pattern… We can prove that limestone exists in Lecco.”
In addition to the analysis of the rock formations, Pizzorusso identified a body of water in the background of the painting that could correspond to Lake Como. This is a subalpine glacial lake, dating back to about 10,000 years ago. “If you look behind it, you have the elongated glacial lakes that have a particular shape like fingers,” he explained, referring to the lakes formed by the movement of glaciers that carried away large chunks of land.
The geological context that Leonardo chose for the background of the Mona Lisa It is in stark contrast to the backgrounds painted by other Renaissance artists such as Botticelli or Michelangelo. Pizzorusso mentioned cnn: “Botticelli, even Michelangelo made terrible backgrounds because they felt the figures were more important.” On the other hand, Leonardo, by painting the background in detail, allows a better appreciation of the nature that surrounds the central figure.
Pizzorusso is not the first to try to locate the landscape behind the Mona Lisa. In 2011, other art historians proposed that the landscape could be based on Bobbio either Arezzo. However, Pizzorusso is the first to use an approach based on geology to propose this location. She argues that “bridges are fungible,” and it is more accurate to analyze the unique rock formation on the horizon of the work.
Lecco It is a charming city located in the region of Lombardyin northern Italy, specifically at the end of the southeastern arm of the famous Lake Como. Surrounded by a mountainous landscape, the presence of the majestic Grigne and the iconic Resegonewith its distinctive peaks that look like jagged mountain ranges.
The history of Lecco goes back to times romans, and the historic center reflects this past with its varied architecture. Among its most notable buildings is the Palazzo delle Paure, which originally served as customs headquarters and now hosts temporary art and photography exhibitions. The Basilica of San Nicolòwith its imposing bell tower, is another landmark on the city skyline.
The walk along the lake offers stunning views and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The shores of the lake are adorned with elegant villas and gardens that invite tranquility and rest. Lecco is also known for its link with the literaturebeing the main setting of the famous novel “Los Novios” (I Promessi Sposi) by Alessandro Manzoni.
In terms of outdoor activities, Lecco is a paradise for lovers of outdoor activities. trekking and the climbing. The routes to the Grigne offer challenges for experienced climbers and panoramic views that reward the effort. The town is also a starting point for bicycle tours around the lake and boat excursions.
