Mona Lisa Shares Her Secrets

NRC's 3D scan sheds light on Leonardo da Vinci's most famous painting

September 20, 2006, Ottawa, ON — The National Research Council of Canada in collaboration with the Centre de recherche et de restauration des musées de France (C2RMF) will be hosting a press conference to announce the findings of the most significant scientific study ever conducted on Leonardo da Vinci's portrait of the Mona Lisa and the first ever produced ultra-high resolution 3D model of the famous painting.

In addition to a review of historic documents and photographs, the study included an in-depth scientific examination of the painting using various technologies including NRC's 3D color laser scanner. The team of NRC scientists was able to acquire a substantial amount of data that is being used to analyze study and draw conclusions about the condition of the painting as well as the artist's technique. The never seen before 3D model allow a close virtual examination of the Mona Lisa by the specialist and the non-specialist alike, without any risk of damage to the painting. This project and its findings have shed light on many of the secrets behind the painting, including da Vinci's famous sfumato technique.  

Date:    September 26, 2006

Time:    10:00 a.m. EDT

Place:   100 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON

NOTE: Limited parking. Live feeds available.

For more information, please visit the NRC Web site at http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca, or contact:

Sarah Mangione
Communications Advisor
National Research Council Canada
Tel: (613) 990-6091
media@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca                             

Claudia Muňante
Communications Officer
NRC Institute for Information Technology
Tel: (613) 990-7117
Claudia.munante@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca