The LDV DNA Project is a temporary organization and does not aim to become a permanent archive or library and does not seek to amass physical materials. We hope with this list of questions to have answered your inquiries.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Leonardo da Vinci DNA Project has generated interest from individuals eager to learn more about Leonardo’s ancestry and family connections, physiology and physiognomy, and legacies. While we are deeply grateful for this interest, our resources are limited, and we are unable to accommodate general public participation, genealogical evaluations, or DNA testing requests.
The Project is a temporary organization, not a permanent archive or library, and does not seek to amass physical materials.
We hope the notes below provide helpful context about the scope and purpose of the project.
Q: What documentation would I need to support a genealogical claim of connection to the da Vinci family?
A: While we are not currently able to assess individual genealogical claims, meaningful documentation would typically include a verifiable, continuous male-line ancestry linked to the Vinci region in Tuscany, ideally supported by official civil, church, or notarial records dating back multiple generations. We encourage those interested in exploring their own lineage to consult local historical archives or professional genealogists with expertise in Italian records.
Q: Can I submit a saliva or cheek swab sample to test against the known Y chromosome profile of Leonardo’s relatives?
A: The DNA testing component of the Leonardo da Vinci DNA Project is limited to a small, carefully selected group of participants identified through extensive historical and genealogical research. Unfortunately, we are not accepting unsolicited DNA samples or testing requests from the general public.
Q: Are the results of DNA tests like those used by Ancestry or 23andMe of use to your research?
A: Commercial DNA tests can be useful for general ancestry exploration but are not directly applicable to our research, which relies on forensic-level Y chromosome analysis and ancient DNA techniques conducted under strict scientific protocols. We are not collecting or analyzing commercial DNA results.
Q: What criteria do you use to determine eligibility for DNA comparison with the confirmed da Vinci lineage?
A: Eligibility is determined through a rigorous review of genealogical documentation showing an unbroken male-line descent from known Da Vinci family members, as verified by archival and historical sources. Only individuals identified through this process have been invited to participate in DNA analysis.
Q: I have an artwork that may contain DNA of potential interest to your project.
A: We recognize the unique potential of biological materials in artworks. However, due to the highly specialized and resource-intensive nature of our analysis, we are not able to accept or evaluate unsolicited artworks or artifacts. If your item is of potential historical significance, we recommend contacting a qualified museum curator, art historian, or conservation scientist for a professional assessment and advice on preventing degradation of possible ancient biological traces on the artwork and minimizing new DNA and other contamination.
Q: Can I submit high-resolution photographs or samples (e.g., swabs, paper fragments) from an artwork for analysis?
A: The Leonardo da Vinci DNA Project is not accepting unsolicited submissions of photographs, materials, or samples. Any scientific analysis of suspected Leonardo-related works must be conducted through proper conservation channels, typically in collaboration with academic or museum-based institutions under strict ethical and preservation standards.
Q: Will the project’s methods be used to verify other historical artists’ works through DNA?
A: The Leonardo da Vinci DNA Project is focused exclusively on reconstructing Leonardo’s genetic profile and developing methods for this purpose. While the methods developed are expected to have broader applications in the future, including forensics and authentication of historical objects, the current project scope is limited to Leonardo and his verified family lineage and works.