Revealing the <i>sfumato</i> Technique of Leonardo da Vinci by X‐Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Abstract

Not just a pretty face: Non-invasive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy was used to reveal the sfumato paint layer stacking method that was used by Leonardo da Vinci to paint the faces in seven of his paintings. A strong diversity in his technique could clearly be seen with this method.