Presenting the Domitian, a newly discovered work of art signed L da Vinci

Oil on canvas, lined, depicting the Roman emperor Domitian. 52 ½ x 40 ½ in, 133 x 102.5 cm. The painting is signed ”L da Vinci” with the underlined letters ”Pinxt” directly below. There is an inscription in the top-right corner of the painting: ”DOMITIANO.IM.XII”.

The painting is covered by a very thick darkened and oxidized dammar varnish which is partially blanched and obscures the overall look of the painting. It has been partially overpainted and has many darkened and discolored retouches. The varnish and the retouches result in a difficulty to fully see the painting. It needs surface restoration.

Signature: The photo was taken in very bright light. Hue, saturation, brightness and contrast have been modified to enhance the letters.

Original image, photo: Helena Christerdotter.

Surface restoration is underway
Signature Carbon-14 dating X-ray UV and IR Pigment analysis Layer structure Paint media Painting support Retouching and overpainting
Surface restoration Pentimento iconography provenance Titian’s original series Sadeler’s engraving Versions of Domitian Compositional comparisons O

Carbon-14 dating dates the canvas, with highest probability, to the late 15th century. Highest peak in histogram at approximately 1470 CE.

An attempt to digitally remove the varnish, based on the light blue grey color of the cuirass. When the varnish is removed, the left side of the painting will be brighter than in the image above as the varnish is thicker there and the colors will become more vibrant across the entire painting.

Retouching and overpainting: Later changes have been made to the original composition. For example, all the leaves we now see in the laurel wreath are painted over the original leaves.

Surface restoration: A light blue grey color was revealed after the old varnish was partially removed on a small area of Domitian’s cuirass.

Partial inscription/mark, about 5 cm (2 in) in width, located in the lower-left corner of the painting.

Pentimento: Evidence of pentimenti  have been found in the painting.

Researching the connection between a painting portraying the Roman emperor Domitian and Leonardo da Vinci. Roman emperor Domitian Oil painting Leonardo da Vinci Titian, Tizian, Tiziano Vecellio, Roman emperors, Eleven Caesars, Undici Cesari, Domitianus, Isabella d’Este, Federico II Gonzaga, Mantova, Mantua, Italy, Francis I, Amboise France, Charles I England. The lower part of the painting is badly damaged, with large fillings and losses of original paint