These artworks and wonders of the world conceal secrets that few know about.
The sculpture of David by Michelangelo is a perfect example of anatomy, yet it has an unusual detail. Additionally, the appearance of the Mona Lisa that you are familiar with is quite different from its original version. However, few people recognize these hidden details because the version we know has become too famous. So, what secrets do these iconic paintings and structures hold?
1. The Truth About Mona Lisa
It is not an exaggeration to say that the Mona Lisa is one of the most famous paintings in the world. We all know that the Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, is characterized by the absence of eyebrows and eyelashes.
However, not long ago, engineers in Paris closely examined a 240-megapixel scan of the painting and discovered that originally the Mona Lisa did have both eyebrows and eyelashes. For unknown reasons, these features were later removed.
2. The Sphinx of Giza, Egypt Has a Tail
Not only is it a famous wonder, but the Sphinx is also considered a beautiful work of art depicting a mythical creature with a human head and a lion’s body with eagle wings. This sculpture is believed to be the largest monolithic statue in the world, measuring 73.5 meters long and 20.22 meters high. However, most people only see the head of the statue and rarely the long backside of the Sphinx.
3. The Mysterious Message in Vincent van Gogh’s “Café Terrace at Night”
Although not as famous as “Starry Night”, the painting “Café Terrace at Night” by Vincent van Gogh holds a fascinating message. Many theorists believe that van Gogh intended to paint this piece as a unique version of da Vinci’s renowned “The Last Supper”. Evidence of this can be seen in the painting, where you can spot 12 people (like the 12 disciples of Jesus) dining under a golden halo.
4. Ancient Greek Sculptures
We are accustomed to seeing classical Greek sculptures in neutral colors made of white marble. However, few people know that these sculptures were originally painted in vibrant colors when they were first created. Over time, the colors on these artworks have weathered and were removed during the cleaning process. Upon closer inspection, remnants of the original colors can still be identified at specific locations on the statues.
5. The Statue of David Has Unusual Eyes
Michelangelo’s Statue of David is a masterpiece depicting the human body, but it possesses a peculiar detail. Observers have noted that David’s right eye looks straight ahead while the left eye seems to gaze to the side. Many believe that Michelangelo calculated every angle and sculpted the eyes based on the viewer’s perspective, ensuring that the statue looks perfect from different angles.
6. There Is No Ferret in “Lady with an Ermine”
This may sound humorous, but the painting “Lady with an Ermine” originally had no depiction of a ferret at all. Research has shown that reflective technology uncovered layers of paint on top of one another, indicating that Leonardo da Vinci continuously changed his mind while creating this piece. Initially, the Italian artist painted a portrait without the ferret, followed by two versions featuring different representations of the fur.
7. The Number 7 May Hold Significant Meaning for The Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is a famous symbol in New York City, USA. However, few people know that this statue has a close connection with the number 7. It is said that the crown of the Statue of Liberty has 7 spikes representing the 7 seas and 7 continents of the world. Additionally, the number 7 is also hidden in other details, such as the 16 leaves on the torch (1+) and the 25 windows at the top of the crown (2+).
