Exhuming Leonardo's Muse

She has been heralded as the most famous painting in history. Her enigmatic smile casts a spell on all who view her. But ...who is she?

The identity of the lady who posed for Leonardo's famous Mona Lisa painting has been a subject of debate for centuries. New evidence brought forward in 2005 suggests that she is Lisa Gherardini del Giocondo, a one-time neighbor of Ser Piero da Vinci, Leonardo's father.

Lisa Gherardini was born in 1479 and after marrying Francesco di Bartolomeo di Zanobi del Giocondo at age 16 she moved with him to various places around Italy...including Santa Croce where da Vinci lived. They were a middle class family who aspired to up their rank in society.

It is speculated that Francesco had commissioned the painting of his wife when she was 24 and pregnant with their 2nd child. In the painting Lisa is portrayed as a faithful and virtuous wife as was the custom in that time period. Her clothes are that of a noble woman, perhaps suggesting a higher station than the life they truly led.

Lisa was descended from a line aristocrats, however, the family had lost most of their power and influence over the years. Although not considered wealthy, she and her family lived a good life off the profit gained from their farm's bountiful harvest.

Francesco, who was a silk merchant by trade, later became a local official and member of the Priori. For this the fearful Italian government accused him of siding with the banished Medici clan who had previously ruled over the region. He was sent to prison. The Medici's did return to power, however, and subsequently set him free. Their exact relationship remains open to debate, but scholars suggest it could have been for political reason's and commercial gain.

After his release, Franceso fashioned a will for his beloved wife intending to take care of her after his death (exact details of his death unknown). He wrote that throughout their long marriage Lisa had been a good and faithful wife of noble spirit and simply wanted to provide for her future. He is thought to be in his early 80's at the time of his death.

One of their daughters, Marietta, who became a nun and adopted the name Suor Ludovica while serving the Lord at Sant'Orsola convent, cared for Lisa after Francesco's death.  According to a note on her death certificate Lisa was buried in a crypt below the convent.

In May 2011 scientists began the search for underground chambers using ground penetrating radar; in the 1980's the floor had been completely cemented-in during a renovation attempt. So far ancient bricks have been discovered in a location consistent with a stairway shown on the old church's floor plan. The plan shows a staircase leading down to burial chambers.

Once accessible DNA samples will be taken from bones and compared to DNA belonging to Lisa Gherardini's children. Further analysis will include reassembling facial bones using a combination of sculpture and forensics to re-create the likeness of the person lying in the crypt. With luck it will resemble that of the remarkable woman in the painting.

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Did you know that the Mona Lisa painting was a prized object enjoyed for 200 years by the Kings of France from the reign of Francis I through Louis the XIV; it hung in the royal bath house. The painting was also on intimate terms with Emperor Napoleon Boneparte having hung for several years in his bed chamber.