Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci has revealed new details and symbolism following a major restoration by experts in Florence.
The Adoration of the Magi, painted in 1481, is being studied and cleaned by a restorers at the Opificio delle Pietre Dure, a leading art research and conservation institute, in a painstaking three-year process.
This early, experimental painting by Leonardo shows the Virgin Mary and Child surrounded by the Magi and various other figures, including what may be a self-portrait of the young artist.
With the removal of grime from the unfinished work, which measures over six square metres, much greater perspective is apparent in the oil-on-wood painting, and the expressions on the faces of the human figures have become clearer. Cristina Acidini, superintendent for the Museums of the City of Florence, said: “It’s a decisive contribution to the advancement of our knowledge of the painting, with regard to both the materials and their different layering, and its original execution.”
Marco Ciatti, superintendent of the Opificio delle Pietre Dure, said that the restoration had also revealed new symbolism in the painting: “The restoration has shown that Leonardo is trying to express the importance of all humanity, not only the historical figures in the painting.”
Mr Ciatti hopes that the restoration will be complete by the end of 2015, when the painting would be returned to the city’s Uffizi Gallery.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments