From VICE · Ashley Fike · · 1m
Scientists Explain Mona Lisa's Missing Eyebrows
Italian dermatologist claims Mona Lisa had rare hair loss condition.
In brief
Italian dermatologist claims Mona Lisa had rare hair loss condition. Italian dermatologist Luigi Laino says Mona Lisa's subject had alopecia areata universalis, a rare autoimmune condition causing hair loss across the body. Originally reported by VICE.
Mona Lisa's Missing Eyebrows
Italian dermatologist Luigi Laino claims the Mona Lisa's subject had alopecia areata universalis, a rare autoimmune condition causing hair loss across the body.
Four Key Signs
Laino points to missing eyebrows, absent eyelashes, an abrupt hairline, and smooth skin without scarring as evidence of alopecia.
Lisa Gherardini's Life
Lisa Gherardini, the woman believed to have posed for the painting, married young, had six children, and faced personal loss during plague and political unrest.
Other Medical Theories
Doctors previously suggested high cholesterol, hypothyroidism, and frontal fibrosing alopecia as possible causes for the Mona Lisa's features.
Alternative Explanation
French engineer Pascal Cotte found evidence of an eyebrow hair in 2007, suggesting Leonardo originally painted brows that faded over time.
The one thing
Italian dermatologist Luigi Laino says Mona Lisa's subject had alopecia areata universalis, a rare autoimmune condition causing hair loss across the body.
