Unveiling the Mystery of Mona Lisa's Backdrop

The enigma surrounding Leonardo da Vinci's renowned painting, the Mona Lisa, has fascinated art lovers for ages. From the perplexing smile of the subject to the unidentifiable location featured in the background, the painting leaves many questions unanswered. Nevertheless, a theory proposed by an Italian geologist and art historian may have finally deciphered one of the secrets of this iconic artwork.

Identifying the Scenic Backdrop

The historian, an expert in Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance, proposes that the scene behind the Mona Lisa is set in Lecco, a quaint town on the southeastern shore of Lake Como in Italy. This theory stems from her geological expertise coupled with a comprehensive study of Leonardo's diaries and sketches. In one of his diary entries, Leonardo mentions being in Lecco while employed as an engineer, despite the project's eventual cancellation. This claim is further substantiated by Leonardo's red chalk sketch of a mountain range near Lecco, currently part of the Royal Collection at Windsor in London.

Geological Clues in the Painting

A crucial element in the historian's theory is the distinctive "sawtooth" pattern in the mountain range portrayed in the backdrop of the painting. She identifies this pattern as a signature of erosion unique to limestone, prevalent in Lecco. While other historians have previously suggested locations like Bobbio or Arezzo, she is the first to concentrate on the unique rock formations on the horizon rather than the arched bridge over the Mona Lisa's shoulder. "

If you look in the background, you'll see pinnacles. It's a type of erosion that happens in limestone that has fractures in it and breaks off in blocks, almost like a sawtooth pattern… We can show limestone exists in Lecco. When you look at the Mona Lisa, there's a series of mountains in the background that have this sawtooth pattern,

" she explained.

Evidence Beyond the Mountains

In addition to the rock formations, the historian also points to the water body behind the Mona Lisa, which she identifies as Lake Como. This subalpine glacial lake, estimated to be about 10,000 years old, bears a shape characteristic of glacial scouring. These geological features provide additional support for her theory.

Why Lecco?

Regardless of her conviction, the historian kept her theory mostly to herself for 30 years, discussing it only with other Leonardo scholars. Now, assured that "everything added up," she is finally ready to present her findings at a geology conference in Lecco. However, her discovery raises more questions about Leonardo's choices. If the location is indeed Lecco, why did Leonardo place the Mona Lisa, believed to be Lisa Gherardini, a wealthy Tuscan merchant's wife, in this wild and untamed environment far from Tuscany? "

Why did he put her in this wild, untamed environment? This is not Tuscany. What was he trying to tell us by putting this serene, enigmatic lady in this rugged, alpine environment?

" she speculates.

A New Perspective on Mona Lisa

The blend of geological expertise and a deep study of Leonardo's works has illuminated the mysterious backdrop of the Mona Lisa. This interdisciplinary approach underscores the potential for amplifying the viewing experience of Leonardo's art by considering the geological aspects. Her findings challenge past theories and introduce a new avenue of exploration into the intentions and messages behind Leonardo's masterpiece. As we continue to unravel the secrets of the Mona Lisa, it becomes apparent that the allure and intrigue surrounding this iconic painting will endure for generations. Whether it's the cryptic expression of the subject or the enigma of the backdrop, the Mona Lisa continues to mesmerize audiences worldwide. Her discovery adds another layer to the complexity of this masterpiece, prompting us to ponder the concealed messages and meanings that Leonardo da Vinci intended to communicate through his art.