Leonardo da Vinci’s DNA potentially found in his sketch and scientists have extracted it

eonardo da Vinci’s Genetic Secrets Possibly Hidden in “Holy Child” Drawing (Image: Canva)

Researchers may have recovered trace DNA from a red chalk sketch, “Holy Child,” possibly linked to Leonardo da Vinci. By comparing it with a 15th-century family letter, scientists aim to reconstruct da Vinci’s genome. Challenges include disputed authorship, inaccessible tombs, and lack of direct descendants. Ongoing analysis of family remains, hair, and manuscripts seeks to confirm the genetic link. The study could help authenticate artworks and reveal biological factors behind da Vinci’s extraordinary abilities, though findings are not yet peer-reviewed.

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Researchers say they may have recovered genetic material from a da Vinci artwork for the first time. The team swabbed a red chalk drawing called “Holy Child,” which some attribute to Leonardo da Vinci. Genetic sequences found in the artwork match material from a letter written in the 1400s by Frosino di ser Giovanni da Vinci, a cousin of Leonardo’s grandfather, Antonio da Vinci. The findings were published Tuesday on the preprint database bioRxiv and have not yet undergone peer review.

Tracing Leonardo da Vinci Through DNA

The researchers focused on Y chromosome sequences, which are passed almost unchanged from father to son. The sequences belong to a haplogroup originating in Tuscany, da Vinci’s birthplace. Geneticist Charlie Lee, not involved in the study, told Live Science that these sequences could provide a “great starting point” for reconstructing da Vinci’s DNA. However, experts caution that the DNA may not belong to da Vinci. It could come from a student, curator, or other individuals with Tuscan ancestry who handled the sketch over centuries.

Challenges in Verifying the Polymath’s Genetic Material

Reconstructing da Vinci’s genome faces many obstacles. His tomb in France was partially destroyed during the French Revolution, and remains may be mixed at the Chapel of Saint-Hubert in Ambroise. Access to his father’s tomb in Florence is also denied. Without known direct descendants, scientists must rely on distant male relatives and existing manuscripts or sketches. Researchers are analysing three bones from a family vault in Italy and sampling DNA from living relatives. A lock of hair excavated in 1863 in Ambroise may also be studied.

Implications for Art Authentication

If confirmed, this method could help verify the authorship of da Vinci’s works. The team hopes to swab other pieces, including the “Codex Leicester,” which contains a fingerprint likely belonging to the artist. Y chromosome matches from letters and drawings, combined with mitochondrial DNA from maternal relatives, may provide a fuller genetic profile. Experts say such efforts could also shed light on the polymath’s extraordinary artistic and scientific abilities.

Next Steps in da Vinci DNA Research

The study authors are pursuing all available leads to reconstruct the Renaissance master’s genome. Live Science reports that the “Holy Child” sketch remains the only da Vinci-attributed drawing yielding human DNA so far. As access to additional works is negotiated, researchers aim to extend genetic comparisons to manuscripts, sketches, and relics directly linked to Leonardo da Vinci.