Are the anatomical errors in Da Vinci's 'Virgin of the Rocks' intentional?

Israeli researchers set out to find the answers as to why the master of anatomy, Leonardo Da Vinci chose to paint the figures in "Virgin of the Rocks" with anatomical errors.

LEFT: Leonardo da Vinci's first rendition of "the Virgin of the Rocks," painted between 1483-1486 RIGHT: His second rendition of the painting, completed around 1508.

(photo credit: Wikimedia Commons)

ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH

MARCH 19, 2023 10:41

Updated: MARCH 19, 2023 16:22

RECOMMENDED STORIES

Israel at War - Illustrative image of an Israeli F-35 fighter jet.

Israel's defense industry eyes new partners for next-gen fighter jet by 2028

JULY 30, 2025

Leonardo DiCaprio stands on stage during the opening ceremony and the screening the film "Partir un jour" (Leave One Day) Out of competition at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 13, 2025.

Leonardo DiCaprio to open hotel in Israel

JULY 29, 2025

Child Muhammad Zakariya Ayyoub al-Matouq, who suffers from cerebral palsy, alongside mother and brother.

NYT quietly alters Gaza starvation story to include key details of child's medical condition

JULY 30, 2025

Auschwitz concentration camp, operated by Nazi Germany in occupied Poland during the Holocaust.

California governor candidate calls Auschwitz 'solution for homelessness,' sparks critisism

JULY 27, 2025

Are the anatomical errors in Da Vinci's 'Virgin of the Rocks' intentional?

Israeli researchers set out to find the answers as to why the master of anatomy, Leonardo Da Vinci chose to paint the figures in "Virgin of the Rocks" with anatomical errors.

Israeli activists block Gaza aid trucks

Hostage Rom Braslavski's family releases PIJ video

Are the anatomical errors in Da Vinci's 'Virgin of the Rocks' intentional?

Israeli researchers set out to find the answers as to why the master of anatomy, Leonardo Da Vinci chose to paint the figures in "Virgin of the Rocks" with anatomical errors.

See more on