An international collaboration of scientists, known as “Leonardo DNA Project”, has set a goal since 2016, when it began, under the coordination of the University of Rockefeller in New York, the reconstruction of the genetic profile of the greatest genius of Renaissance, Leonardo.

In the book they published entitled “Genìa da Vinci. Genealogy and Genetics for Leonardo’s DNA ”, with the support of the Municipality of Vinci in Tuscany, scientists present the findings of 30 years of pedigree research and documenting Leonardo Da Vinci’s family tree from 1331. Over 400 people were analyzed, including 219 da Vinci/Vinci (119 men and 100 women).

Through a meticulous analysis of sources and archival documents, the researchers were able to rebuild the branches of the family to which Leonardo belonged to and to identify 15 direct male offspring, which are related to both his father Leonardo and his brother -in -law.

Subsequently, the program coordinator and director of the Department of Biology of the University of Florence, David Carameli, together with the special criminal anthropology, Elena Pili, submitted six of these offspring to DNA. Their analysis revealed that parts of the Y chromosome, used for individual identification, fitted all these male offspring, confirming the genetic continuity of the Da Vinci male line at least the 15th generation.

The authors also confirmed the existence of a tomb of the Da Vinci family in the Santa Church Church in Vinci, which is under archaeological excavation. It may be the burial place of Leonardo’s grandfather, Antonio, his uncle, Francesco, and his various heterosexual brothers (Antonio, Pandolfo and Giovanni). The heads of the excavation have been bone fragments, some of which have been dated to radio. A sample underwent paleogeomic analysis. If the y chromosome of the living offspring is found in the older relics of the tombs, this will support the accuracy of the historical rebuilding of the genealogy and will allow a more thorough examination of the biological material attributed to Leonardo, as well as the traces left over. Leonardo’s genetic profile could reveal biological characteristics, such as visual perception, nutrition, potential health intentions and physical appearance.

As noted, DNA in manuscripts or drawings could confirm the authenticity of works of art and the techniques developed through the international program could revolutionize the way in view of controversial projects.

Finally, the book publishes a study that assumes that a plan with a rare expressive intensity charcoal, discovered in the fireplace of an old building in Vinci now owned by the municipality, can be attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. The fantastic creature depicted has a spiral horn on the head, elongated muzzle and curved beak, flaming tongue, nails on the edges, pointed ears, intense scales on the back and throat, helical tail and a wing with membrane and wing and wings the flight of birds and bats. The researchers called the project “Dragon Unicorn”, while the municipality has planned scientific analysis and restoration of the project (80×70 cm).