among the few masterpieces left to us by Leonardo da Vinci. Yet not much is known about the painting. Furthermore, for over 500 years, it was believed that the brownish monochrome look of the Adoration was the work of Leonardo. That is, until Maurizio Seracini’s in-depth scientific analysis of 2001 proved beyond a doubt that this was not true.

This video lecture will present a comprehensive account of the results of Seracini’s investigation, as well as the backlash of fierce opposition and accusations against these findings which lasted for two decades. In fact, during the recent restoration of the painting, several areas of the monochrome paint that were repeatedly asserted to be original were nevertheless removed! Additionally, various rarely seen images of the incredible underdrawing drafted by Leonardo – and made visible by an extremely accurate IR reflectography survey - will be presented.