Photo by Editech, courtesy Kalpa Group Project

A detail of Vasari's painting, which reads "Cerca Trova" (or "he who seeks, finds"), may mark the location of a hidden Leonardo painting.

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Located in the Hall of 500, a political chamber once used by the city’s Medici rulers, Vasari’s battle scene shows a banner that reads “Cerca Trova” (or “he who seeks, finds”). Seracini and some other scholars believe that the words may mark the spot of Leonardo da Vinci’s Battle of Anghiari, an unfinished work that is believed to have once been located in the room, and covered when Vasari made his additions.

Seracini has led a group of scientists in mapping the room and use radar imaging technology to study the wall on which Vasari made his painting, and they say they have discovered the existence of a gap between the back of Vasari’s work and the actual wall of the room, suggesting that the artist may have built a brick wall to protect the da Vinci work that he was ordered to cover with images of military victories.

Now scientists are seeking permission from the city government to undertake a more rigorous analysis, using a neutron projector to search for traces of elements — such as linseed and walnut oils — that da Vinci would have used in his work. Matteo Renzi, the city’s mayor, has said that a decision could be possible within the next two weeks.

If Seracini’s research, undertaken with the help of Italy’s nuclear-energy agency and universities in the Netherlands and Russia, reveals the possible presence of da Vinci’s working materials, he hopes to be able to temporarily remove the Vasari and remove the da Vinci, which he believes could still be in good condition. “It’s been protected against the environment and vandalism and bad restorations,” he said. “I don’t expect there to be much decay.”

The Medicis also offered Michelangelo the chance to complete a work in the room, though he finished only a sketch. Some historians believe that he may have been angered that the section of the room he was assigned offered less favorable lighting than Leonardo’s section.

Until 1563, when Vasari remodeled the hall and added his frescoes, da Vinci’s work was a popular attraction for artists. Rubens and Raphael are among the artists known to have visited and sketched the work.

Read more at the New York Times.