The Virgin with the Laughing Child is a 20 inch-tall (50 cm) sculpture made of red clay. The sculpture was dated around 1472, and the curators suggest that da Vinci created it when he was a student of the Florentine master Andrea del Verrocchio. You can see a photo of the sculpture below.
Can you recognize the enigmatic smile of the Virgin Mary, looking down affectionately at a happy and also smiling baby Jesus? Curators noticed it, too, linking the sculpture to 2 masterpieces by da Vinci: The Mona Lisa and The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne.
Here is a reminder of how both of these charming women look like (see picture below). Speaking of which, if you’d like to learn more about Leonardo da Vinci’s paintings, we have an in-depth article about his best works that can be accessed via the link here.
Scholars also pointed out the obsessive precision, with which the sculptor depicted the complex and voluminous draperies around the Virgin Mary, a signature feature of da Vinci’s style in paintings.
Another clue lies in the baby Christ’s smile. You see, in the 15th century, it was nearly blasphemous and outright forbidden to portray Christ, the baby, laughing. At the time, the Catholic Church propagated the idea that Christ was born with the intelligence and wisdom of an adult.
The Mona Lisa (left) and The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne (right)
To communicate this Biblical fact, they insisted on portraying baby Jesus with a serious or even adult-looking face. Now, the infant in this sculpture is definitely smiling, and we know from da Vinci’s journals that he once got in trouble when he was young for misrepresenting Jesus, the baby.
Could this be the very artwork that he wrote about? Only time will show.
The Virgin with the Laughing Child isn’t the only artwork recently attributed to Leonardo. Less than a week ago, art critics concluded that a famous charcoal drawing nicknamed “The Nude Mona Lisa”, which was previously believed to belong to da Vinci’s students, is most likely the great master’s work as well.
Extensive testing and investigators concluded that Monna Vanna, pictured in comparison to The Mona Lisa below is, in fact, da Vinci’s own work. The analysis of the charcoal drawing also confirmed an interesting fact about Leonardo himself: from the left-handed charcoal marks on the painting experts were able to tell that he was most certainly a lefty.
If you’re curious to learn more about Leonardo da Vinci, particularly about his career as a master inventor, take a look at our article about da Vinci's inventions that were ahead of their time.
David vs. David: Comparing Two Classic Sculptures
Examining two sculptures by two distinct and famous artists: Donatello and Michelangelo
The Level of Precision In These Portraits Is Incredible!
Mostafa Khodeir needs nothing but a ballpoint pen to draw incredible hyper-realistic portraits of historical figures, athletes, and animals.
5 Fascinating Facts about the World’s Most Famous Painting
Leonardo da Vinci’s 'Mona Lisa' is the most famous painting in the world, but did you know these interesting facts about it?
Lifelike Animal Sculptures Made of Cardboard - Stunning!
Believe it or not, these realistic animal sculptures are all made of a material that is found in ample supply in most homes - old cardboard boxes.
Stars Meet Their Past Selves in This Delightful Collection
Artist Ard Gelinck photoshops well-known celebrities with their younger versions. Here are some of her new creations.
QUIZ: Recognize These Famous Renaissance Masterpieces?
If you're a fan of the Renaissance, then give this quiz a shot, and see how many famous paintings you can recognize.
This Old Man Kept His Amazing Voice Secret Until He Was 60
When one unemployed 60-year-old Dutch baker's daughter secretly signed up her father to appear on Holland's Got Talent, no one could guess he would win...
Watch These Acrobats Defy Gravity in an Amazing Circus Act
You’ll be on the edge of your seat watching these talented Russian circus acrobats perform feats on the teeterboard like you've never seen.
I Bet That You've Never Seen Cars Quite Like These...
Each year thousands of people gather at the Burning Man festival to gasp at some of the craziest-looking cars. Take a look.
Interactive: Click to See Gorgeous Street Art!
Please enjoy some of the most recent works of this talented French artist, who created incredible art out of the facades of buildings.
Let Vivaldi's Music Breathe Renaissance Beauty Over You
Vivaldi is one of the biggest names in all of musical history, and now you can hear why with this collection of 24 of his finest compositions.
Quiet Night In? Let These Amazing Movies Rack Your Brains
Have you ever watched a movie that leaves you scratching your head right until the very last scene? That's what these 10 amazing movies do best. Enjoy!
The Art of the Watermelon is Actually Stunning and Creative
What a novel and beautiful way to create stunning art, by taking watermelons and carving them up beautifully.
Enjoy Musical Heaven By an Extremely Talented Cellist!
The multi-talented Kevin Olusola uses only his mouth and cello to produce a most amazing rendition to Sam Smith's "Stay with me".
These Two Talented Children Definitely Know How to Sing
These two cute children blew everyone away when they took to the stage to give a rendition of the famous song "You Raise Me Up."
This Artist Uses Just One Tool To Create Stunning Art
Leonid Afremov creates all his beautiful art using just a single tool - a palette knife. View his stunning creations here.
Watch 20 of the Best Eurovision 2023 Performances!
Embark on this Eurovision journey and discover your new favorite songs and singers!
This British Artist Creates Sculptures You Won't Believe
Take a look at these impressive sculptures created by famous British artist, Alex Chinneck.
Remember This Song by Whitney Houston? Sing Along Here
Sing along to Whitney Houston's well known song, One Moment in Time.
This Drawing Took 3.5 Years to Complete...
The Japanese have to be some of the most resilient people in the entire world. This artist pays tribute to that notion in a vivid visual representation.
If You Think Celtic Music is Dead, You Should Hear This
Hayley Westenra's enchanting performance proves beyond doubt that Celtic music is far from being consigned to the annals of history. Listen to her now.
INTERACTIVE: 12 of the Most Beautiful Classical Pieces...
By exploring this interactive image you can experience stunning interpretations of timeless melodies, both classic and contemporary. Just click on these keys and watch the magic unfold!
12 Movie Dances That Captured Our Imagination!
Johnny and Baby from Dirty dancing, Danny and Sandy from Grease and many more are waiting to show you their unforgettable and memorable dance moves!
15 Incredible Paintings That Every Art Lover Must Know...
Here are some of the greatest paintings in art history. What do they mean to you?
These 15 Showstopping Designs Truly Take the Cake...
These cake designs prove that there's more to cake making than just mixing up a few ingredients in a bowl, as these creations are true art!
Check Out These Surreal Artists and Their Amazing Artworks
In this post we have brought you a collection of 8 surreal artists, each with their own artistic style and unique imagination
I Can’t Help Falling in Love with Bocelli’s Elvis Tribute
Watch as the spectacular Andrea Bocelli gives his rendition of an old Elvis classic. His performance made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
This Elegant Gymnast Will Amaze You!
World renown Rhythmic Gymnast Evgenia Kanaeva shows us her perfect form in a remarkable display.
Let 'The Sugar Plum Fairy Dance' Excite Your Xmas Spirit!
What poise ballerina Nina Kaptsova displays in this gorgeous performance of Tchaikovsky's most Christmassy dance!
These Vintage Bird Illustrations are Charming & Beautiful
Here is a look at 20 gorgeous paintings by the celebrated nature artist John James Audubon’s seminal book 'Birds of America'
This Young Girl Plays the Violin Like No Other
Masha Marshon impresses everyone with her violin skills. I've never heard such beauty before.
This 'Frozen' Shadow Dance Is Out of This World
Shadow Theatre VERBA presents their performance called 'Frozen', which has already enchanted millions of people from around the world.
The Most Unbelievable Acrobatic Display in History!
What happens when dozens of acrobats work together to create a human net? Utter magic is what happens.
Want to Paint? Here's a Complete Guide For Taking it Up!
Ever wanted to take up painting as a hobby, but had no clue where to begin? This complete guide to painting and drawing will answer all your questions.
André Rieu In Another Beautiful Operatic Sensation!
In this video, we are treated to an incredible rendition of Caro Nome by an incredibly skilled operatic singer.
When These Kids Pick Up Guitars Something Amazing Happens
These young North Korean children play like professionals, how is it even possible?
Magnificent Metal Sculptures of Animals Made From Cutlery
Matt Wilson is an artist from South Carolina. His art is created from knives, forks or cuillères, in which he bends the metal to his will, bringing various types of animals to life.
12 Artworks by J.M.W. Turner That Are Worth Adoring
Take a look at some of the finest artworks by English painter J.M.W Turner that still look so unique and charming.
11 Artists Who Make Magical Sculptures Out Of Wire
Take a look at this gallery of beautiful wire sculptures from different contemporary artists
These Angelic Singers Will Take You to Another World...
This has become one of my most favorite performances.
Tiny Animal Paintings That'll Take Your Breath Away
Julia Las is a Ukrainian artist who specializes in making watercolor miniatures. As you're about to see, they're absolutely incredible!
When the Erhu Is Playing, Everyone Stops to Listen
A beautiful and touching Erhu Performance. Is there a more beautiful sounding instrument than this? We don't think so!
How Does He Do It? This Magician Is Beyond Incredible!
28-year-old Ben Hart magic tricks will turn even the most stern-faced skeptic into a believer. Tell us if you can figure out how he does these things, because we certainly can’t!
Discover the Amazing History & Design of Fabergé Eggs
You've probably heard of Fabergé Eggs, but how much do you actually know about these unique historical jewels?
I Can’t Take My Eyes off These Gorgeous Lion Paintings
Enjoy this incredible collection of the most gorgeous classic lion paintings.
Is This 10-Year-Old Frank Sinatra Re-Incarnate?
This boy was born blind, but sings like a certain famous singer.