by

Leticia Marie Sanchez

Art researchers in Florence claim to have found a strong clue that a mural entitled The Battle of Anghiari by  Leonardo Da Vinci lies hidden in a wall of Florence’s Palazzo Vecchio. Art detectives, led by Maurizio Seracini, a researcher at the University of California, San Diego, drilled tiny holes in a fresco by Giorgio Vasari which lies on top of what they believe is a work by Da Vinci.

Clue #1: Black Pigment

Using miniature cameras and tiny endoscopic probes, the team has found the proof that they believe links the work to Leonardo: black pigment which matches the exact paint used in Da Vinci’s most famous work, the Mona Lisa.

Clue #2: Mysterious Message

Researchers point to another clue, a message painted on the Vasari work, which lies on top: “Cerca Trova,” or “Seek and you shall find.”

Is this a hoax?

Critics of the project accuse the researchers of trying to stir up some “Da Vinci Code” publicity. 

Florence’s Mayor says, “Carry on, Detectives!”

However, the mayor of Florence, Matteo Renzi, has declared. “We need the courage to push on and resolve this mystery.” 

What do you think, my fellow Sherlocks?

For the full story, please read:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2012/mar/12/art-historians-hidden-leonardo-da-vinci?CMP=twt_gu