PolyWorks and the Mona Lisa - Innovmetric Software

C A S E S T U D Y
Advanced
visualization
reveals a new
secret about the
Mona Lisa
For further visual analysis, NRC-IIT
transformed the 3D point cloud model of the
Mona Lisa into a polygonal model. This model
was loaded in the PolyWorks/IMEdit module
for detailed visual analysis. By removing all
colors to obtain a shaded model, and by using
the PolyWorks/IMLight tool to control the
source and direction of lighting, the specialists
were able to extract detailed three-dimensional
surface relief features of the painting.
Self-Portrait, by Leonardo da Vinci, Red chalk.
This image shows that much of the surface
relief on the painting is due to the wood grain
structure – only a faint outline of the thinly
painted composition is visible. In addition, the
12 cm vertical split in the panel above the head
is visible, as are areas of previous restorations
on the left and right elbows.
Finally, the C2RMF discovered a relief line,
surrounding the elbows and arms. These details
were clearly visible in both infrared reflectography
and in the laser images which was had never
been noticed with regular visual examination.
These images corroborate historical research and
observations clearly visible in other paintings
from the same period. This relief line
was identified as a transparent
silk veil, a traditional
clothing worn by
“All these
discoveries are
major breakthroughs
for the C2RMF organization,
the Louvre and all
art connoisseurs around the
world. For years this mythic
painting has generated a
series of enigmas and theories.
Leonardo is still keeping many
of its secrets but thanks
to Canadian technology,
some of these questions
have now been
answered.”
pregnant women and
mothers that had
just given birth
in that era.
François Blais
Principal Research Officer
and Technical Lead
NRC-IIT
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