American artist restored the image of Mona Lisa

American artist Jennes Cortez (Jenness Cortez), working in the genre of classical realism, announced the completion of work on the restoration of the image of the painting by Leonardo da Vinci "Mona Lisa" ("Gioconda"). The work of Cortes, she said, shows how the canvas of the painter could look at the beginning of the XVI century. At the same time, she emphasizes that she does not claim to compare her picture with the original Leonardo.

The artist was based on laboratory data from the French Center for Museum Research and Restoration. In addition, she analyzed the historical information about the canvas and its copy, made by da Vinci’s contemporaries.

“I put all my knowledge, experience, intuition, imagination and passion into the work. I like to think that the same playful muse hovered over me as over Leonardo. I hope my “Lisa” will be pleasant to everyone who sees it,” said the artist.

It is explained that many parts of her paintings Cortes made lighter than the original. She paid special attention to the blue, brown and green colors, which, according to the researchers, have lost their original saturation. In addition, she restored some details of the “Mona Lisa” - the artist made eyebrows and shadows on her face more noticeable, her hair and eyes became brighter and more contrast.

The publication notes that during its existence, the "Gioconda" has undergone numerous changes. Its appearance was influenced by factors such as darkening and yellowing of varnish, the disappearance of unstable pigments, natural chemical processes, excessive cleaning and exposure to moisture.

Mona Lisa was written in 1503-1506. It is believed that Leonardo posed for the wife of the Florentine merchant Francesco del Giocondo, so the portrait is sometimes called the “Gioconda”.