Da Vinci masterpiece back on display - 15/07/2010

The National Gallery in London has spent 18 months restoring The Virgin of the Rocks by Leonardo Da Vinci and it went back on show yesterday (July 14th).

It can be found in Room 2 of the gallery following expert cleaning. The piece had been covered in a discoloured varnish since the 1940s but has now been restored to its former glory.

It has also been given a new frame, which incorporates fragments from a North Italian frame that was made in Da Vinci's era.

Researchers have been able to find out more about the techniques used by the artist and discovered an under-drawing while completing the restoration.

The work depicts the Virgin Mary with the infant Saint John adoring the baby Jesus accompanied by an angel. It was created between 1491 and 1508.

Da Vinci, born in Italy in the 15th century, was known for being an artist, inventor, mathematician, sculptor and writer. His most famous works are the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper.

Posted by Harry Baxter