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Fresco Clue Launches Hunt for Lost Da Vinci

Artist's greatest work may be hidden behind palace fresco

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 20, 2009 4:15 AM CDT

(Newser) – Like a mystery straight from the Da Vinci Code, an Italian palace fresco harbors a clue pointing to the existence of a hidden masterpiece, claims an art expert. Now Italian professor Maurizio Seracini has been granted permission to seek the painting considered Leonardo da Vinci's greatest work. Seracini believes the lost Battle of Anghiari is hidden behind a fresco in Florence's Palazzo Vecchio marked with the words: "Cerca trova," or "seek and you shall find."

The lost 1503 painting is an immense battle scene, three times the size of da Vinci's  Last Supper. Seracini, who had a cameo role in the Da Vinci Code, has already discovered a cavity behind the palace fresco, which he believes was constructed to protect the hidden work. “It was considered by Leonardo’s contemporaries to be his foremost masterpiece. It represented the highest achievements in art reached at the time," said Seracini.

The current mystery involving the Lost Leonardo masterwork in Florence could be a puzzle right out of the Da Vinci Code.
The current mystery involving the "Lost Leonardo" masterwork in Florence could be a puzzle right out of the "Da Vinci Code."   (©mattwi1s0n)
Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.
Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.   (©Graham and Sheila)
Da Vinci's lost battle fresco is thought to be three times the size of the  Last Supper.
Da Vinci's lost battle fresco is thought to be three times the size of the "Last Supper."   (©vanz)
Peter Paul Reubens' copy of a scene in Da Vinci's lost Battle of Anghiari.
Peter Paul Reubens' copy of a scene in Da Vinci's lost Battle of Anghiari.   (The Louvre)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
chicken
Oct 20, 2009 8:12 AM CDT
Yeah, but it's stuff like this we never hear from again. Let's hope that doesn't happen to this story.
yellowjeep
Oct 20, 2009 4:25 AM CDT
I have always thought stuff like this was cool I really hope that they do find something.
Janniel
Oct 20, 2009 1:45 AM CDT
Good luck Seracin !

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