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Fogg Art Museum Scrapbooks, January 1950-April 1951

ARCH.2003.31, Rendition: 804148

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The image shows a historical newspaper clipping from the Providence Journal. The headline reads "Painting Now in N.H. Reported Authenticated as da Vinci Work." The clipping discusses the authentication of a painting in a Hanover, New Hampshire, home as a Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, according to a Vatican art expert. The article mentions that the painting was authenticated by Dr. Thomas Macoughtry Judson, an American who was a curator of the Vatican's Cicognara collection. The painting has been in the Vernon family since 1797, when it was brought from France by William Henry Vernon. The article also notes that the painting was sent to the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University in 1933 for cleaning and that x-rays taken at the time proved the ancient canvas to be from the period when Leonardo da Vinci was known to have painted La Gioconda (Mona Lisa). The clipping is dated February 22, 1950, and is accompanied by a label from the New England Newsclip Agency, Inc.

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This image displays an old newspaper clipping from the "Journal (m)" based in Providence, R.I., dated February 22, 1950. The headline reads: "Painting Now in N.H. Reported Authenticated as da Vinci Work."

The article begins with the dateline "New York, Feb. 21," and discusses the authentication of a painting in Hanover, New Hampshire, as a work by Leonardo da Vinci. It mentions that a Vatican art expert reported the authentication, and a spokesperson for Dr. Ambrose W. Vernon of Hanover confirmed that the authentication was made by Dr. Thomas Macoughtry Judson, an American who was the curator of the Cicognara collection of the Vatican.

The painting, according to the family spokesperson, has been in the Vernon family since 1797, when it was brought from France by William Henry Vernon. It is now the joint property of Dr. Vernon and his brother's widow, Mrs. Alice C. E. Vernon.

The article also notes that the painting was sent to the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University in 1933 for cleaning, and technicians there took X-rays which confirmed the painting's age and authenticity as a work by Leonardo da Vinci.

The clipping is part of the New England Newsclip Agency, Inc., collection, and the clipping is from a newspaper with a circulation of 45,527. The clipping is slightly yellowed and has some red markings on it.

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This image displays a vintage newspaper clipping dated February 22, 1950, accompanied by a small, folded paper label from the New England Newsclip Agency, Inc. of Providence, R.I., indicating it was taken from the Journal (m) and had a circulation of 45,527.

The article’s headline reads:

Painting Now in N.H. Reported Authenticated as da Vinci Work

The clipping reports on a significant art authentication claim: a Vatican art expert, Dr. Thomas Macoughtry Judson (an American and former curator at the Vatican’s Cicognara collection), authenticated a painting in the possession of the Vernon family in Hanover, New Hampshire, as a genuine Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci.

Key details from the article include:

  • The painting has been in the Vernon family since 1797, reportedly brought from France by William Henry Vernon.
  • It is believed to have been received as a gift or for "safe-keeping" from Marie Antoinette shortly before her beheading in 1793.
  • Dr. Judson’s opinion, after extensive study and tests, was that the painting was “in my opinion... by the hand of Leonardo da Vinci.” He identified it as a portrait of Mona Lisa, the third wife of Francesco di Bartolommeo di Zanobi del Giocondo — the same subject as the famous Louvre painting.
  • He claimed this version was painted earlier than the Louvre Mona Lisa.
  • The painting is co-owned by Dr. Ambrose W. Vernon and his brother’s widow, Mrs. Alice C. E. Vernon.
  • In 1933, the painting was sent to the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University for cleaning. Technicians there reportedly used x-rays to examine the canvas, which they said proved it was from the correct period when Leonardo painted the original Mona Lisa (La Gioconda).

The clipping reflects the excitement and mystique surrounding lost or alternative versions of Leonardo’s masterpieces and showcases mid-20th century public interest in art authentication and provenance — even if such claims were often later disputed or unverified. The slightly yellowed paper and typewritten font are characteristic of 1950s newspaper clippings.

Overall, this artifact is a snapshot of art history in the making — or at least, in the reporting — as the world debated whether a humble New Hampshire family might be custodians of a priceless da Vinci original.

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A clipping of a newspaper article is attached to a piece of paper. The clipping is in black and white, and the text is written in a serif font. The article is about a painting that has been authenticated as a da Vinci work. The painting is described as a portrait of Mona Lisa, and it has been in the Vernon family for many years. The article also mentions that the painting was sent to the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University for cleaning and authentication.

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The image shows a newspaper clipping from the "Providence Journal" dated February 22, 1950. The clipping is about a painting in Hanover, New Hampshire, that was authenticated as a work by Leonardo da Vinci. The article mentions that the painting, believed to be a portrait of Mona Lisa, was brought to the United States by William Henry Vernon in 1797. The painting was sent to Harvard University in 1933 for cleaning and was later authenticated by Dr. Thomas Maccourty Judson, an art expert from the Vatican.

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The image shows a newspaper clipping from the Providence Journal, dated February 22, 1950, with the headline "Painting Now in N.H. Reported Authenticated as da Vinci Work." The article, sourced from the Associated Press (AP) and dated February 21, 1950, reports that a painting in Hanover, New Hampshire, has been authenticated as a work by Leonardo da Vinci.

Key Details from the Article:

  1. Painting Description:

    • The painting is identified as a Mona Lisa, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci.
    • It is described as the joint property of Dr. Vernon, the great-grandnephew of William Henry Vernon, and his brother's widow, Mrs. Alice C. E. Vernon of New Jersey and Connecticut.
  2. Authentication Process:

    • The authentication was conducted by Dr. Ambrose W. Vernon of Hanover, with the assistance of Dr. Thomas Macoughry Judson, an American who was a curator of the Cicognara collection at the Vatican.
    • Dr. Judson stated that after extensive study and tests, he believes the painting is by Leonardo da Vinci.
  3. Historical Context:

    • The painting is said to have been in the Vernon family since 1797, when it was brought from France by William Henry Vernon.
    • It was sent to the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University in 1933 for cleaning and advice. During this time, technicians took X-rays, which confirmed the canvas was ancient and dated to the period when Leonardo was known to have painted La Gioconda (Mona Lisa).
  4. Additional Information:

    • The painting is described as a portrait of Marie Antoinette, painted shortly before her execution in 1793.
    • It is noted to have been painted earlier than the more famous Mona Lisa, which is currently housed in the Louvre in Paris.

Visual Elements:

  • The clipping is a physical newspaper page, with visible creases and wear, indicating it is an archival or historical document.
  • The top portion of the image includes a header from the New England Newsclip Agency, Inc., with details such as the address (Box 2078, Boston 6, Hancock 6-9297) and circulation information (Circ. 45,327).
  • The article is dated February 22, 1950, and appears to be part of a larger collection or archive, as suggested by the visible label "10:30-WF1L Sign Off Program" at the top right corner.

This clipping highlights a significant art authentication story from the mid-20th century, linking a painting to one of history's most famous artists.

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The image presents a newspaper clipping and a stamp, both of which are yellowed with age, set against a gray background. The clipping is the focal point, featuring a headline that reads "Painting Now in N.H. Reported Authenticated as da Vinci Work" in bold black text. Below the headline, the article discusses a painting that has been authenticated as a work by Leonardo da Vinci, with quotes from various individuals involved in the process.

Newspaper Clipping:

  • Headline: "Painting Now in N.H. Reported Authenticated as da Vinci Work"
  • Text: The article discusses a painting that has been authenticated as a work by Leonardo da Vinci, with quotes from various individuals involved in the process.
  • Date: February 21, 1950

Stamp:

  • Type: Newspaper clipping stamp
  • Text: "Journal (m) PROVIDENCE, R.I. Independent Circ. 45,527"
  • Date: February 22, 1950

Background:

  • Color: Gray

Overall:

  • The image appears to be a scanned or photographed version of an old newspaper clipping and stamp, likely from a historical archive or collection.
  • The clipping and stamp are both yellowed with age, indicating that they are from a past era.
  • The gray background provides a neutral contrast to the yellowed paper, allowing the viewer to focus on the content of the clipping and stamp.

Meta, us.meta.llama3-2-90b-instruct-v1:0

The image features a newspaper clipping and a letter, both related to the authentication of a painting as a work by Leonardo da Vinci.

Newspaper Clipping:

  • The clipping is from the New York Times, dated February 21, 1950.
  • The headline reads "Painting Now in N.H. Reported Authenticated as da Vinci Work."
  • The article discusses the authentication of a painting in Hanover, New Hampshire, as a work by Leonardo da Vinci.
  • The painting was previously owned by Dr. Ambrose W. Vernon of Hanover and was authenticated by Dr. Thomas Macoughtry Judson, an American curator of the Cicognara collection of the Vatican.
  • The article also mentions that the painting was sent to the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University in 1933 for cleaning and was reported to be definitely of the period when Leonardo was known to have painted La Gioconda (Mona Lisa).

Letter:

  • The letter is from the New England Newsclip Agency, Inc., dated February 22, 1950.
  • The letter is addressed to the Journal (m) PROVIDENCE, R.I. Independent Circ. 45,527.
  • The letter appears to be a notification or request for information regarding the authentication of the painting.

Background:

  • The background of the image is a light gray color.
  • There are no other objects or features in the image besides the newspaper clipping and the letter.

Overall, the image suggests that the painting in question was authenticated as a work by Leonardo da Vinci in 1950, and that it was previously owned by Dr. Ambrose W. Vernon of Hanover, New Hampshire.

Meta, us.meta.llama4-maverick-17b-instruct-v1:0

The image presents a newspaper clipping and an envelope, both related to a news article about a painting attributed to Leonardo da Vinci.

  • Envelope
    • The envelope is positioned in the upper left corner of the image.
    • It is addressed to the "Journal (m) PROVIDENCE, R.I." with the address "Box 2078, Boston 6" and the phone number "Hancock 6-9297".
    • The envelope bears a stamp indicating it was sent on February 22, 1950.
  • Newspaper Clipping
    • The newspaper clipping is placed below the envelope, slightly overlapping it.
    • The headline reads "Painting Now in N.H. Reported Authenticated as da Vinci Work".
    • The article discusses a painting that has been authenticated as a work by Leonardo da Vinci.
    • The painting is described as being in the possession of Dr. Vernon, a great-grandnephew of William Henry Vernon.
    • The article quotes Dr. Thomas Macoughtry Judson, an American curator of the Cicognara collection of the Vatican, who authenticated the painting.
    • The painting is said to be a portrait of Marie Antoinette, created before her execution in 1793.
    • The article also mentions that the painting was sent to the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University in 1933 for cleaning and restoration.
    • The clipping appears to be from a newspaper dated February 21, 1950.

In summary, the image features a newspaper clipping and an envelope related to a news article about a painting attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. The article discusses the authentication of the painting and provides details about its history and ownership.

Meta, us.meta.llama4-scout-17b-instruct-v1:0

The image presents a newspaper clipping and a small paper with text, set against a gray background.

Newspaper Clipping:

  • The clipping is from an article titled "Painting Now in N.H. Reported Authenticated as da Vinci Work."
  • It features a black headline and black text.
  • The article discusses the authentication of a painting as a work by Leonardo da Vinci.
  • The clipping appears to be yellowed and worn, with visible signs of aging.
  • A red mark is present on the right side of the clipping.

Small Paper:

  • The small paper is beige and rectangular in shape.
  • It bears the text "New England Newsclip Agency, Inc." at the top.
  • Below this, it lists the address: "Box 2078, Boston 6" and the phone number "HAncock 6-9297."
  • The paper also includes the text "Journal (m) PROVIDENCE, R.I. Independent Circ. 45,527" and "FEB 221950."

Background:

  • The background of the image is a solid gray color.

Overall, the image appears to be a scanned or photographed collection of historical documents related to art authentication.