In the reconstruction of the genetic profile (DNA) of the leading personality of the Renaissance, of Leonardo da VinciIt was aimed at an international collaboration of scientists, known as “Leonardo DNA Project”.
The research team has been aspiring, since 2016, when her work began, under the coordination of New York Rockefeller Universitythe reconstruction of his DNA Leonardo da Vinci.
In the book they were published in entitled ‘Genìa Da Vinci. Genealogy and Genetics for Leonardo’s DNA(Angelo Pontecorboli Editore), with the support of the Municipality of Vinci in Tuscany, scientists present the findings of 30 years of genealogical research and document Leonardo da Vinci’s “family tree” from 1331, which extends to 21 generations. Over 400 people were analyzed, including 219 da Vinci/Vinci (119 men and 100 women).
Through meticulous analysis of sources and archival documents Researchers managed to rebuild the family branches to which Da Vinci belonged to and to identify 15 direct male offspringthat are related to both Leonardo’s father and his heterosexual brother, Domenico Benedetto.
Then the program coordinator and director of the Department of Biology at the University of Florence, David Carameli, along with Special Criminal Anthropology, Elena Pili, submitted six of these offspring to DNA examination.
Their analysis revealed that parts of the y chromosome, used for individual identification, matched all these male offspringconfirming the genetic continuity of the Da Vinci male line at least the 15th generation.
The authors also confirmed the existence of a tomb of the Da Vinci family in the Church of Santa Clace in Vinci, which is under archaeological excavation. It may be the burial place of Leonardo’s grandfather, Antonio, his uncle, Francesco, and his various heterosexual brothers (Antonio, Pandolfo and Giovanni).
The heads of the excavation have been bone fragments, some of which have been dated to radio. A sample underwent paleogeomic analysis.
If the y chromosome of the living offspring is found in the older relics of the tombs, this will support the accuracy of the historical rebuilding of the genealogy and will allow a more thorough examination of the biological material attributed to Leonardo, as well as the traces left over.
Leonardo’s genetic profile could reveal biological characteristics, such as visual perception, nutrition, potential health intentions and physical appearance.
As noted, DNA in manuscripts or drawings could confirm the authenticity of works of art and the techniques developed through the international program could revolutionize the way in view of controversial projects.
Finally, the book publishes a study that assumes that a plan with a rare expressive intensity charcoal, discovered in the fireplace of an old building in Vinci now owned by the municipality, can be attributed to Leonardo da Vinci.
The fantastic creature depicted has a spiral horn on the head, elongated muzzle and curved beak, flaming tongue, nails on the edges, pointed ears, intense scales on the back and throat, helical tail and a wing with membrane and wing and wings the flight of birds and bats.
The researchers called the project “Dragon Unicorn”, while the municipality has planned scientific analysis and restoration of the project (80 × 70 cm).