Leonardo da Vinci Painting Lost for Centuries Found in Swiss Bank Vault

The painting appears to be a completed, painted version of a pencil sketch drawn by Leonardo da Vinci in Mantua in the Lombardy region of northern Italy in 1499 (click photo for larger image)

“A 500-year-old mystery was apparently solved today after a painting attributed to Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) was discovered in a Swiss bank vault.”

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It’s incredibly exciting when a discovery such as this has been made. But scholars need to approach such finds with extreme caution. The opinions on this one are divided, at present. This article indicates some of the concerns about definitively assigning this work to Leonardo.

"Sunset at Montmajour" - A Newly Discovered Van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh - “Sunset at Montmajour” - 1888 - Oil on canvas - Private Collection (on view at the Dutch Van Gogh Museum from Sept. 24th) (click photo for larger image)"Sunset at Montmajour" was previously rejected as a fake because it does not have a signature. The painting has been “living” in the attic of a Norwegian man for years, because he didn’t think it was the real deal. Now...it turns out that it is! 

“It is the first full-size canvas by the Dutch master discovered since 1928.”

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Salvador Dali Etching Donated To Goodwill, Up For Sale On Their Website

Original hand signed and numbered colored etching by Salvador Dali, titled "Reflection" or "Reflections," from "The Cycles Of Life Suite." Item is listed as an original colored etching, 10.5 inches x 8.25 inchesAn etching by Surrealist master Salvador Dali was discovered at a Goodwill in Tacoma, Washington this week. The signed artwork was dropped off by an unidentified donor and was quickly identified by an art-savvy employee.

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Salvator Mundi - A Long Lost Work by Leonardo

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), Salvator Mundi, c. 1500 Oil on walnut panel, 25 13/16 X 17 7/8 inches (65.6 X 45.4 cm) - ⓒ 2011 SALVATOR MUNDI LLC

“A painting by Leonardo da Vinci  that was lost for centuries has been authenticated by distinguished scholars in the United States and Europe and will be exhibited at London’s National Gallery as part of a Leonardo show that opens November 9, 2012.”

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“Second Mona Lisa Unveiled for First Time in 40 Years”? I Doubt It.

Mona Lisa Foundation | Getty images

“A second, earlier version of the Mona Lisa was unveiled to the public today,  a version that experts say they can prove is the work of the master himself.”

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As one would expect, there’s a tremendous amount of debate going on as to whether or not this painting (the “Isleworth Mona Lisa”) of a younger Lisa del Giocondo is, in fact, a Leonardo. The master had a number of followers in his day. Also, “Isleworth Mona Lisa” is painted on canvas, whereas Leonardo’s other works are painted on wood. While it’s been argued that the exactness of the positions of both figures supports a view of the Isleworth piece as a true Leonardo, this could certainly be achieved by a good copyist. Some scholars hold that the Isleworth piece is an earlier portrait--in that the figure appears to be younger--and thus was most likely done by Leonardo. Again, however, this youthfulness could have been achieved by any good copyist. So...I’m skeptical. I tend to think that the Louvre “Mona Lisa” is the only Leonardo portrait of this woman.