Previously unknown da Vinci painting discovered in Swiss vault
A 500-year-old question that has plagued art historians for centuries may have been answered this week, after a previously unknown painting by the great Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci apparently was discovered in a Swiss bank vault.
It has been debated for centuries whether da Vinci actually went on to paint a version of the sketch of Isabelle d'Este, which hangs in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
The sketch depicts the Renaissance noblewoman, who was one of the most influential figures in art and fashion of her day.
Legend has it that she demanded another great painter from the Renaissance, Titian, to redo her portrait to make her look 40 years younger.
The da Vinci painting is part of a private collection of 400 works belonging to an Italian family. Now art historians are debating its authenticity.
"There are no doubts that the portrait is the work of Leonardo," Carlo Pedretti, a professor emeritus of art history at the University of California, told Corriere della Sera newspaper.
But professor emeritus of history of art at Trinity College, Oxford, told the Daily Telegraph that "canvas was not used by Leonardo or anyone in his production line. Although with Leonardo, the one thing I have learnt is never to be surprised."
Although it is known that da Vinci preferred wooden boards, the painting found in Switzerland is painted on canvas.
Carbon dating tests conducted by the University of Arizona reveal the portrait was painted between 1460 and 1650.
There are only 15 to 20 genuine da Vinci works in the world.
