Da Vinci’s being eaten alive — and we don’t know how to prevent it

LEONARDO da Vinci’s being eaten alive — and science is in a scramble to save him. So what’s the cause of his mysterious — but deadly — red spots?

Under attack ... A scratch is seen on a previously unknown portrait of Leonardo da Vinci. Now, his famous red chalk sketch is being slowly eaten away. Picture: AP

LEONARDO da Vinci’s being eaten alive — and science is in a scramble to save him. So what’s the cause of his mysterious — but deadly — red spots?

Fungus.

The red chalk on paper drawing of a bearded man is believed to be a self-portrait of the famous inventor and artist dating from 1512.

But the priceless Renaissance creation has long had another distinctive feature: reddish blown blotches known as ‘foxing’.

Was it being caused by a chemical reaction in the paper?

Or was it a biological invasion of bacteria, or fungus?

Conservators at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna have finally managed to pin the cause down.

And the implications are frightening.

Leonardo da Vinci’s self portrait.

Leonardo’s image may not have much time left.

It’s being slowly, but steadily, devoured.

As with all things da Vinci, the fungus has proven unique.

Analysis of its DNA has revealed it to be a previously unreported species.

But they think they know why they’re feasting on the masterpiece.

Dust.

Iron particles in dust are creating tiny pinpricks of damage in the paper’s structure.

This creates a point of weakness into which the fungus can grow.

Grain by grain, the attack has been unfolding over several centuries.

While keeping the paper perfectly clean may slow the assault, the researchers say treatment will be necessary.

The challenge now is to find a way to kill the fungus, without damaging the precious link to the great man any further.