The
original painting «The Beautiful Princess» by the renowned Italian artist
Leonardo da Vinci has been displayed at the National Museum in Astana,
representing a unique event in the world of high art in Kazakhstan. Notably,
the only work by the High Renaissance master on parchment was presented in the
Kazakh capital for the first time. A press conference was organized for the
mass media with the participation of representatives from the Italian Embassy
in Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Culture and Information, the Italian publishing
house Scripta Maneant, as well as exhibition sponsors. It is known that the
masterpiece is part of a private collection. Previously, it was exhibited only
a few times. According to experts, certain conditions are required for its storage
and transportation. Perhaps the masterpiece will not be presented anywhere else.
«The
painting is very fragile, making transportation extremely challenging. So,
we are concerned about its return journey. Latest technologies allowed to discover an image of an eye and an ear on
this canvas, painted in the style of Leonardo da Vinci, who preferred making full-face
portraits, such as the «Mona Lisa,» rather than profile ones. Also, a
fingerprint found in the upper left corner of the painting matches da Vinci’s
fingerprints at eight points,» said Giorgio Armaroli, CEO and founder of the
Scripta Maneant publishing house.
«Regarding
the cultural relations between Italy and Kazakhstan, we strongly believe that
this is a powerful tool to develop dialogue and friendship between our
governments. That is why, last year, on November 30, we inaugurated the Italian
Cultural Institute in Almaty,» added Italian Ambassador to Kazakhstan Marco
Alberti.
The
exhibition of «The Beautiful Princess» is organized to mark the 10th
anniversary of Kazakhstan’s National Museum. It will run through August 4.
