Da Vinci, stop to endoscopica probe

The first phase for searching the “Battle of Anghiari” has been concluded. The fresco by Leonardo Da Vinci is probably hidden in Salone dei Cinquecento, historical hall inside Palazzo Vecchio. In order to find the fresco is used a endoscopica probe through the fresco of Giorgio Vasari “The Battle of Scannagallo”.

The decision to stop the research has arrived in a technical reunion held yesterday evening. The superintendent of State Museums of Florence, Cristina Acidini, sent a report to the Ministry of Culture of the first phase of research.

Up to now only 6 holes were made in the fresco even if the authorization allowed 7 holes. The scientific director of works, the engineer Maurizio Seracini, had asked at least 14 holes. The search, lead in collaboration with the National Geographic Society and the University of San Diego, will continue until end of this month using the carried out holes.

The event has triggered polemical in academic and political within. Beyond 300 between intellectuals and historians of art have signed an appeal in order to ask the stop for the search, because it would damage the fresco of Vasari. Italia nostra filed a complaint and the prosecutor of Florence has opened a file, entrusting the investigation to Cultural Heritage Unit of Carabinieri. They are ready for an inspection.