Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Geologist and Renaissance art historian Ann Pizzorusso has put forward a theory addressing the longstanding enigma surrounding the landscape depicted in Leonardo da Vinci’s renowned artwork, the Mona Lisa.
Pizzorusso suggests that the backdrop of the Mona Lisa bears a remarkable resemblance to the town of Lecco, situated on the shores of Lake Como in Lombardy, Italy.
Specific features in the painting align with landmarks in Lecco, including the Azzone Visconti bridge, a 14th-century structure, the surrounding mountain range, and Lake Garlate, visited by Leonardo centuries ago.
Pizzorusso underscores the undeniable similarities between these elements, viewing her discovery as a significant breakthrough.
Geological evidence supports Pizzorusso’s theory, with rocks depicted in the painting matching the limestone formations in Lecco. The grey-white coloration of the rocks corresponds to the prevalent rock type in the region.
Pizzorusso notes the absence of a lake in alternative locations like Bobbio or Arezzo, further strengthening her argument in favor of Lecco.
Pizzorusso is slated to present her findings at an upcoming geology conference in Lecco, underscoring the interdisciplinary nature of her research.
Emphasizing the significance of geology, Pizzorusso highlights the limitations of solely focusing on architectural features like the bridge, advocating for a holistic approach to art analysis.
Pizzorusso’s theory has garnered attention worldwide, with experts acknowledging the compelling evidence linking the Mona Lisa’s backdrop to the town of Lecco.