N 2 da Vinci and Beyond : EXPOSING DA VINCI'S ILLUSIONS: HIDDEN IMAGES IN PAINTINGS

MADONNA WITH A SPINDLE: LEONARDO DA VINCI

"Exposing DA VINCI" sounds like I'm some sort of undercover journalist. I don't feel that way though. Simply because I cannot image that DA VINCI create all of these amazing illusions merely for his own amusement. With each and every new discovery I can almost imagine him laughing, shaking his head as if saying, "what took you so long?"

If you're new to my site, I'm sure you're a bit confused so allow me to let you in on the secret. Every single work of art, that I have seen, of LEONARDO DA VINCI'S has an incredible illusion of countless hidden images. The secret to seeing them is by looking in a slightly different way than we're accustom to viewing works of art. Mainly from a distance and from different angles. It really is that simple. Let's face it, to see something or to find "the hidden images" we tend to get closer and closer, don't we? And though it's true you will find many different additional layers of hidden images throughout DA VINCI'S art the closer you examine it; however, in doing so we've missed the most amazing illusions I have ever seen in my life. Let's take a step back from this painting and I'll show you what I mean.

Depending on the condition of your vision, you may need to actually stand up and view this painting from a few feet away. Or you can try placing a mirror at a right angle on either side of your computer screen, which will provide different viewing angles as well as some distance. As to the distance, that's something you'll have to experiment with, to find what works best for you. Remember, DA VINCI had a real thing about mirrors. His mirror style of handwriting, which required you to hold it up in front of a mirror to decipher his writing. However, it's not just a matter of reversing the image, but changing your viewing perspective, i.e., the actual angle from which you're viewing. I find it extremely interesting that in just about every work of art of DA VINCI'S you'll find at least one very distinct "arrow." I've theorized that perhaps DA VINCI was directing us to view that work of art from that side or angle. The only problem with that is, no matter what angle you view his works of art, you find hidden images from any and all angels! Anyway, here's an example:

Reversed with lighting enhanced. If you're not using a mirror as described above, you must allow yourself some distance, so I recommend standing a few feet from your computer screen to see this illusion. And don't forget to view from different angles as well.

Click on images for larger views if you need to, but be sure to allow yourself plenty of viewing distance.

Face outlined.

Reptile outlined. You may also begin noticing numbers and letters appear as if from no where as you look at this from different angles.

Profile of ape outlined.

Left profile outlined.

Hopefully you've been able to glimpse just one of these illusions clearly, enough to realize this is not a mere fluke or common anomaly occurring here. If not, I encourage you to keep looking.

Rotated. From every angle more and more illusions begin to take shape, if you just give it time.

Upside down. Some painting are easier than others and if you're just not see the illusions I'm describing, don't get discouraged. Finding the right distance and angle that's right for you will take some experimenting on your part.

Rotated reversed. Once you begin to grasp the overall concept of the illusion, you'll find it gets easier and easier to find the hidden images all on your own.

Ready to try another one?

VIRGIN WITH CHILD AND ST. ANNE: DA VINCI

Reversed with lighting enhanced. Sit back and stare intently. Tilting your head to the right, do you see a large right profile on the left side? How about a face in the tree? The number "3" just behind St. Anne?

Rotated.

Upside down.

Reversed rotated. Tilt your head slightly to the left, do you see the elephant or an arrow.

Reversed with color removed. This may help you see some of the images clearer. I find I lose sight of some of the images I saw earlier, but I see new ones.