Prado's Mona Lisa Copy Revealed as Workshop Original After Restoration
For almost 200 years, a painting stored in the Museo del Prado was regarded as a mere imitation of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. Since the museum's establishment in Madrid in 1819, this artwork remained in the depths of its basements, hidden beneath layers of dark, cracked varnish. Dated around 1503–1516, the piece depicted a woman resembling La Gioconda but featured a plain black background, unlike the vibrant Tuscan landscape of the Louvre’s version. During restoration for a loan to the Louvre, X-rays and infrared scans revealed a stunning landscape concealed beneath the dark layers. Curators believe it was created by Francesco Melzi, a favored pupil of Leonardo, in the same workshop as the original. The restored painting is now on display at the Museo del Prado, providing a more intimate experience for visitors compared to the renowned original.
Key facts
- The Museo del Prado in Madrid was founded in 1819.
- The Prado's Mona Lisa copy was hidden in museum basements since 1819.
- The painting was covered with multiple layers of dark and cracked varnish.
- It was previously thought to be a poor 16th- or 17th-century copy of Leonardo da Vinci's original.
- The original Mona Lisa dates back to the early 1500s.
- The Prado version shows a plain black backdrop instead of the colorful Tuscan countryside.
- Restoration was prompted by a loan to the Louvre.
- X-rays and infrared studies revealed a beautiful landscape hidden beneath the dark paint.
- Curators believe the painting was executed by an artist in Leonardo da Vinci's workshop at the same time as the original.
- It was probably created by Francesco Melzi, one of Leonardo's favorite pupils.
- The restored painting is currently exhibited at the Museo del Prado in Madrid.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
Locations
- Madrid
- Spain
- Paris
- France