Why Leonardo da Vinci Did Not Complete the 'Mona Lisa'

The Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci was unable to complete his famous painting, the 'Mona Lisa,' because he fainted and injured his hand. This is reported by The Royal Society of Medicine.

Researchers believe that the painter's fall prevented him from holding a brush later on, thus hindering the completion of the canvas. Some experts suggest that da Vinci may have suffered a stroke due to a specific diet characteristic of the Middle Ages, resulting in partial paralysis.

Nevertheless, scientists David Lazzarini and Carlo Rossi have proposed that the artist suffered from a paralysis of the elbow bone due to nerve trauma.

As evidence, they cited a self-portrait of da Vinci, in which he is depicted with a bandaged hand, resembling a medical dressing. Lazzarini stated, "Instead of portraying a clenched hand, which would occur post-stroke, the canvas presents an alternative diagnosis."

He also noted that elderly individuals sometimes faint and sustain similar injuries. The fact that da Vinci indeed had certain problems with his hands is further evidenced by the reality that many of his later paintings remain unfinished.