This presentation briefly recaps the emergence of the painting, the critical reception and ongoing controversy, and eventual purchase by Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. The history and condition, the restoration, the materials and techniques of the painting in comparison with other works by the artist are discussed. An evaluation of the work’s place and importance in Leonardo’s oeuvre are considered, as well as new connections and discoveries made by the author, art historians, and scientists, which have continued to evolve even in its absence. Its disappearance after the historic 2017 sale at Christie’s have caused rife speculation about its whereabouts, scholarly opinion. Can we expect to see it again?
Speakers
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Dianne Modestini, Paintings Conservator and Professor Emerita, The Conservation Center of the Institute of Fine Arts, NYU
