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OTTAWA, Sep 26, 2006 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Using a 3-D technique pioneered by Canada's National Research Council scientists were unable to decipher secrets of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported that the 16th-century artist's sfumato technique, in which da Vinci is believed to have painted several translucent layers of color to enhance depth, remains a mystery. Scientists were reportedly unable to tell exactly how da Vinci achieved the luminous detail of the Mona Lisa or the effect of having her eyes follow the viewer.
The high-resolution 3-D laser scanning technology used by an NRC research team allows scientists to study of the layers of paint used, down to a micron in width -- about 1/10th the width of a human hair).
CBC reported that scientists, despite being unable to unlock da Vinci's secrets, were glad to say the 500-year old painting is in very good condition with only slight warping of its surface.
URL: www.upi.com Copyright 2006 by United Press International
