A groundbreaking study has traced the male line of Leonardo da Vinci through 21 generations, shedding new light on the biology behind this iconic Renaissance figure. Researchers focused on the Y chromosome and found a single, unbroken thread among six living male descendants, confirming the master’s biological heritage.
The investigation also explores human remains from Vinci’s Santa Croce vault, where early tests suggest a male relative is buried. If DNA can be extracted, it will be matched against today’s descendants to unlock biological clues about Leonardo’s sketches, manuscripts, and creative vision.
Scholars have also mapped seven da Vinci homes in Vinci and its surroundings, uncovering a fireplace sketch of a “Dragon Unicorn” that mirrors the artist’s style. New evidence points to Leonardo’s mother, Caterina, an Eastern slave mentioned in 1449 donation deeds. Striking likenesses between living descendants and Leonardo’s self-portrait add a human touch to the science.
The study is rewriting Leonardo’s story in biological terms, providing insights not only into his artistic vision but also why his genius endures. This breakthrough marks a significant step forward in applying paleogenetics to historical figures, promising fresh perspectives on the biology behind iconic personalities.
Source: https://www.futura-sciences.com/en/leonardo-da-vincis-dna-traced-through-21-generations-unlocks-new-secrets_19100