Face of God in a da Vinci painting?

So I hadn't heard of this conspiracy theory, even if it is about ten years old at this point.

Sure, of course I knew Leonardo da Vinci was one of the greatest artists and thinkers in human history. Thanks to Dan Brown, I'm also aware of all the alleged conspiracies da Vinci was involved with and the supposed codes within the paintings, all hiding messages from the prying eyes of the religious authorities. Or failing that, he was just quite adept at mirror effect and optical illusions. That's what I thought, but then I came across this.

In 2007 it seems, a group called The Mirror of Sacred Scriptures and Paintings World Foundation (they really need a shorter name) posited that da Vinci used the mirror writing technique to disguise mysterious faces in his art. This group claims that when viewed in mirror image, the da Vinci sketch, "The Virgin and Child with St. Anne and St. John the Baptist" reveals "the Old Testament god Jahveh who 'protects the soul of the body's vices.'"

The face of God?

Well, the mirror image at the link looks something like Darth Vader. I don't know what kind of religious statement that makes. I'm sure as heck not going to comment.

Then again, much of this reminds me of seeing faces in rocks or clouds or on Mars (yeah, I'm admittedly still mulling that one over) or in tortillas (Google it). I do not for one minute deny that that Leonardo da Vinci was a genius, both scientifically and artistically. That said, I just think these interpretations are much ado about nothing. The mind can creatively see a lot of things. 

Or in his visions, did da Vinci see God or another entity and wish to reveal its visage only to the craftiest among us? Or was it the mushrooms?

It all sounds so Terence McKenna.


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