DNA Study Aims to Authenticate Artworks Linked to Leonardo

Researchers recovered Y-chromosome sequences from 'Holy Child' drawing and 1400s letter linked to Leonardo's family.
Project aims to reconstruct da Vinci's DNA due to no direct descendants and disturbed tomb.
Extracted Y-haplogroup E1b1b markers after comparing 90,000 markers.
Found non-human DNA including citrus and plasmodium.
Seeking permissions for swabbing notebooks and drawings, and skeleton sampling if a sample is found elsewhere.

Genetics | Art Authentication | Historical Research

France | Italy

1 week ago