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Da Vinci DNA Found on 500-Year-Old Drawing
7 Jan
Summary
- DNA sample recovered from Leonardo da Vinci's 'Holy Child' drawing.
- Y chromosome analysis links drawing DNA to da Vinci's Tuscan region.
- This could unlock secrets to da Vinci's unparalleled perception.
Researchers have recovered a DNA sample from a 500-year-old Leonardo da Vinci drawing, potentially belonging to the Renaissance master himself. The DNA was extracted from a red chalk sketch titled 'Holy Child' using a gentle swabbing technique, similar to COVID-19 tests.
Initial analysis of the Y chromosome sequence, which is passed down paternally, shows a genetic link to people from da Vinci's home region of Tuscany. This finding offers a promising first step towards understanding the enigmatic genius and how he perceived the world with such extraordinary detail.
Scientists believe that DNA analysis could eventually reveal if da Vinci possessed specific genetic mutations, possibly in retinal genes, that contributed to his ability to see fleeting moments. The next phase involves comparing this DNA with samples from 14 known living descendants of his father.
