What would you feel if you found out you are a descendant of Leonardo Da Vinci? Decades of research have produced surprising results. Alessandro Vezzosi and Agnese Sabato carried out a DNA research project by Leonardo da Vinci. It is published by the journal Human Evolution. It documents the continuous male line, from father to son, of the Da Vinci family (later Vinci). From the progenitor Michele (born 1331) to his grandson Leonardo (sixth generation, born 1452). And it reaches the present moment: the living descendants of Da Vinci.
Looking for Leonardo
There are a total of 14 living offspring. In 2016 from the same Vezzosi and Sabato they already announced numerous indirect descendants. The sources of information are detailed through the seven centuries to the current record.
Leonardo himself had at least 22 half-siblings, but no children. The five existing branches of the family go back to Leonardo’s father Ser Piero. Also to the half-brother Domenico (sixth generation). Since the fifteenth generation, data have been collected from more than 225 people. The study contributes to the work of the Leonardo Da Vinci Heritage Association.
In total, it is 690 years of genealogical research. It is the basis of the international DNA project Leonardo da Vinci. This project is supported by the Richard Lounsbery Foundation. The J. Craig Venter Institute in La Jolla, California, and several other universities are involved. Including the Faculty of Biology at the University of Florence, headed by David Caramelli.
Chromosome trace
It is known that the Y chromosome is passed on to male offspring. And it remains almost unchanged over 25 generations. Today this chromosome can be compared with that of the ancestors. It would certify Leonardo’s own Y chromosome marker. And by the way, check out the direct family line.
There are many unanswered questions. You will be examined as soon as Leonardo’s DNA is confirmed. What reasons explain his genius? What was your parents’ geographic origin? What about his premature aging or being left-handed?
Comparing biological data could also help in another area. For example, checking the authenticity of works of art. Or the materials worked on by Leonardo. It would be a groundbreaking connection between biology and art. Verifying this origin can also change the lives of those involved. How would you feel if you knew you were one of the living descendants of Da Vinci?
