What was discovered?

Ever looked at the Mona Lisa (even a photo or image will do) and wondered how the wonderfully realistic shadows around her eyes could possibly have been painted?

Now science has revealed how - ultra-thin layers of glaze with pigment (paint) were built up slowly to make each shadow.

This painting technique is known as "sfumato", and was also used by other Renaissance painters. But the technique was so masterly - no paint-strokes or fingerprints to give clues - that it has been very difficult to analyse, until now!

How?

The technique of X-ray Fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) was used to find out the thickness of each new layer and precisely what materials were used...

... without even touching the painting!

Why is it important?

Understanding the techniques of art masters without the risk of damaging their precious paintings is exciting and humbling too, as the extraordinary patience and skill required becomes even more clear.

What a remarkable heritage for us all!