Researchers prove Leonardo Da Vinci was ambidextrous

Researchers at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence have proved what was suspected for a long time: that Renaissance genius Leonardo Da Vinci was able to write, draw and paint with both hands.

The study also uncovered a previously unknown landscape sketch on the back of the original work, titled Landscape Drawing for Santa Maria Della Nave and alternatively known as Landscape 8P.

An infrared view of the backside of Leonardo da Vinci’s Landscape Drawing for Santa Maria Della Nave, also known as Il Paesaggio or Landscape 8P (1473) reveals another landscape drawing and handwriting by Leonardo that slants to the left and right, indicating the artist was ambidextrous. Photo courtesy of the Uffizi.

Dated August 5, 1473, the work was completed when the artist was just 21 years old. On the front of the drawing, infrared light analysis found traces of an underlying sketch.
On the back, there was once another landscape, featuring a bridge crossing a river, done in charcoal. It may have been erased by the artist, or it also could have faded away over the centuries.

An infrared view of Leonardo da Vinci’s Landscape Drawing for Santa Maria Della Nave, also known as Il Paesaggio or Landscape 8P (1473). Photo courtesy of the Uffizi.

The discoveries are being announced as the world celebrates the 500th anniversary of Leonardo’s death, on May 2, 1519. As part of the festivities, which include exhibitions across Europe and beyond, Landscape 8P will go on loan to the Museo Leonardiano in Leonardo’s hometown of Vinci in Tuscany, Italy, for five weeks beginning in August.