Found Treasure? Secret Writing and Code Leads Scholar to the Possible Discovery of Leonardo da Vinci’s First Work

In June of 2018, it was announced that a small 15th century tile depicting the Archangel Gabriel could be the work of Leonardo da Vinci.  If verified, this decorative tile would be the earliest known work of the famed Italian polymath of the Renaissance.

The 20×20 cm square image, also conjectured to be a self -portrait of Leonardo, includes the believed signature of Da Vinci.  Along the jawline of the portrait, infrared analysis revealed secret writing. Although minuscule, ‘Da Vinci Lionardo’, along with the date 1471, and the numbers 52 and 72 were noticed.

These discoveries, and after further study on the tile and extensive investigation into the handwriting, led Professor Ernesto Solari to conclude the tile was an early work of Da Vinci.  The date suggested the year of manufacture, making Da Vinci only 18 years of age at the time.

The other two numbers are thought to represent the year he was born, 52 (1452), and 72 for Gabriel.   It is believed the numbers 72 are code for the letters G and B for GaBriel- 7th and 2nd letters of the alphabet.

While the claim has been hotly debated with many saying the tile’s artwork is nothing like what we should expect to see from Da Vinci, it cannot be disproved.  The date and style of the tile work is in keeping with Da Vinci’s time, as well as location of discovery.

Most importantly, the handwriting analysis suggests it is that of Da Vinci.  The signature was written backwards, which Da Vinci is known for.  The number one in 1471 is also seen to be smaller than the others.  Again, other samples of Da Vinci’s handwriting show this is conducive with his manner.

Still, however, even with all this supporting finds, the work can’t be proven with absolute certainty it is a work of Da Vinci.  There isn’t another known example of a Leonardo da Vinci signed piece of artwork to compare, and ultimately verify, it with.  That doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist though.

This small piece of artwork will remain a mystery, until possibly something more is discovered.

Best of luck with all that you seek!  Always Treasure the Adventure!