Monalisa mystery
Monalisa's mysterious smile has long baffled historians, scientists, and 'ordinary' people alike. The latest attempt to unravel the mystery has been undertaken by Canada's National Research Council, which used laser and infrared scans to create a 3D image of the famous painting. So what's this about Monalisa being pregnant? Well, it seems the latest investigation has, according to BBC News "allowed details beneath layers of paint to be seen - including a gauzy dress then associated with pregnant or new mothers."
The study was commissioned by Henri Loyrette, Director of the Musée du Louvre, who is quoted in the NRC's press release as saying: "The 3D scan of Monalisa has not only helped to further our understanding of Leonardo's technique of soft, heavily shaded modelling, but will also help to address the conservation and deterioration concerns we have."
It's a painting that's been held up as the best example of the sfumato painting technique, but I can't help wonder if Monalisa is smiling even more now, with all the extra attention...
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