Geologist's Surprising Claim: Unveiling the Location of a Famous Portrait

Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is known worldwide as one of the most famous paintings. The artwork has always been surrounded by mystery, particularly concerning the identity of the figure depicted and the enigmatic expression on her face. Recently, a geologist from Italy claims to have unraveled at least one of the secrets of this iconic piece.

Ann Pizzorusso, a geologist and art historian who focuses on Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance period, has used her geological knowledge to determine the possible location where the Mona Lisa was painted.

Three decades ago, Pizzorusso traveled to Lecco, a town on the southeastern shore of Lake Como in Italy. She went there to follow in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci, armed with diary entries and drawings from the artist. During a phone interview with CNN, she mentioned that Leonardo had mentioned being in Lecco in his notebook, where he was working as an engineer.

Pizzorusso shared that although the project Leonardo was working on in Lecco was canceled, his geological field sketches remained. One of these sketches, a red chalk drawing of a mountain range near Lecco, is now part of the Royal Collection in Windsor, London.

The "sawtooth" pattern present in the mountain range was one illuminating factor for Pizzorusso's theory.

The "sawtooth" pattern present in the mountain range was one illuminating factor for Pizzorusso's theory.

Pizzorusso is not the first person to suggest where the Mona Lisa might be set. In 2011, an art historian connected the painting to a town named Bobbio, and another theorized it could be Arezzo. However, Pizzorusso is the first geologist to offer her theories.

Previous studies have focused on the arched bridge over the Mona Lisa's right shoulder. However, Pizzorusso argues that the unique rock formation in the horizon holds valuable information as well. She explains that the pinnacles in the background are a result of limestone erosion, which occurs in blocks with a sawtooth pattern. This type of limestone can be found in Lecco, as seen in the background mountains of the Mona Lisa painting.

Similarly, the body of water behind Mona Lisa is believed to be Lake Como, a subalpine glacial lake that dates back around 10,000 years. Pizzorusso points out that the elongated shape of the lake resembles fingers, indicating the effects of glacier movement that carved out certain land features.

Pizzorusso believes Lake Como, the glacial lake dating back around 10,000 years, is in the background of the Mona Lisa.

Pizzorusso believes Lake Como, the glacial lake dating back around 10,000 years, is in the background of the Mona Lisa.

Pizzorusso kept her suspicion to herself for 30 years, only sharing it with fellow Leonardo scholars in casual discussions. This week, she revisited Lecco with her confidence intact, convinced that her deductions were correct. She is now preparing to reveal her discoveries at a geology conference in the town.

While the pairing of earth science and art history may seem unrelated, Pizzorusso believes that combining the two disciplines can enhance the appreciation of Leonardo's work. According to her, artists like Botticelli and Michelangelo often neglected the backgrounds of their paintings, focusing more on the figures. However, Pizzorusso argues that a well-painted background can help viewers better connect with nature, adding to the overall experience of the artwork. Despite her surprise at the widespread interest in the topic, Pizzorusso humorously suggests that Leonardo may have been influenced by her for the environmental movement, highlighting the enduring appeal of his paintings.

However, this discovery raises more questions than answers. If the location is indeed Lecco, as Pizzorusso proposes, it begs the question of why Leonardo chose that specific location for this particular portrait. The mystery surrounding the artist's decision adds another layer of intrigue to the already captivating story.

"We don’t know who (Mona Lisa) is, some believe she was a rich Tuscan merchant’s wife," she said, referring to a popular historical theory that proposes the figure was based on Italian noblewoman Lisa Gherardini.

"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?" Said Pizzorusso.

"I’m really intrigued as to what his message was to us."

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the enigmatic world of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, exploring the possible location of its setting through the lens of geology. Geologist Ann Pizzorusso's meticulous observations and analysis of Leonardo's geological field sketches have led her to propose Lecco, Italy, as the backdrop for this iconic masterpiece. The sawtooth pattern of the mountain range and the distinct shape of Lake Como, visible in the painting's background, support her theory.

Pizzorusso's discovery not only sheds light on the potential location of the Mona Lisa but also invites contemplation on the significance of this choice. Why did Leonardo depict such a serene and enigmatic figure against a backdrop of rugged and untamed nature? Was there a specific message or symbolism intended by the artist? The mystery surrounding the artist's decision adds another intriguing layer to the Mona Lisa's allure, prompting further research and speculation.