London: A self-portrait attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, long believed by its owners to be a copy, has now been confirmed as an original work after forensic analysis detected three fingerprints on the artwork.
A team led by Luigi Capasso, an anthropology professor at Italy’s Chieti University, examined the portrait—said to depict Da Vinci at the age of 53—and concluded it was drawn by the Renaissance master. The artwork was reportedly discovered in 2008.
Researchers compared the fingerprints found on the portrait with prints identified on another Da Vinci work and determined they matched. The conclusion was supported with the help of art experts and historians, along with scientific checks including radiocarbon dating and pigment analysis.
Capasso said the team approached the case as scientists rather than art historians, focusing on the forensic evidence. The tests suggest the portrait was created sometime between 1478 and 1520, and investigators also reported finding Da Vinci’s signature and markings on the piece.
