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Local experts search for real Da Vinci Code.

Leonardo Da Vinci - genius, artist, engineer and infamous keeper of secrets. As movie fans world wide follow the cinematographic hubbub of the Da Vinci Code, another Leonardo mystery crops up in Florence.

This time the Uffizi Gallery steps into the limelight and the painting that hides underlying secrets is The Adoration of the Magi, a Renaissance masterpiece generally attributed to the Tuscan artist. But what lies under the heavy hand of sacred paint? What came before the representation of the Nativity, its saints, shepherds and hosts of angels? Maurizio Seracini director of the Uffizi Gallery’s Department of Studies of the 1500s discovered the truth behind the naked canvas in 2002, after investigations, using an infrared reflector-graphic system.

Tests revealed perfect sketches of animals, horses an elephant mounted by a soldier, a reconstruction of a temple and various battle scenes. Saracini explains, "The final painting was meant to cover parts of the preparatory picture that were not in line with the classical representation of the Adoration. We were shocked because the investigations allowed us to read the preparatory designs made by Leonardo’s hand. Thanks to these tests, we can now confirm that the painting on the surface is not, in fact, by Da Vinci but is the work of another painter." This daring idea is currently supported by all the experts responsible for the painting’s restoration. The results of the experiment, recently transferred into a 25 minute video, were shown for the first time in the Florence last week.

There are 2400 images captured on film which showcase the charcoal technique and use of special glues.

According to experts, yet another unknown hand later created monochromatic illustrations over Leonardo’s own symbols.

Da Vinci aficionados can view the world premier of Seracini’s research on the site sponsored by the Province of Florence at Florence TV.

For more information visit

• Florence TV