Despite the work’s questionable condition, Modestini would go on to proclaim her certainty that it was in fact not a copy, but an authentic da Vinci.
Skeptics were less than happy when it would go on to be authenticated, claiming that Modestini had painted around 90% of it during the restoration process. However, Modestini argued that certain markers of the work, like the position of the thumb, made it impossible to dispute. The painting’s lengthy story would eventually be made into the 2021 documentary called The Lost Leonardo, featuring accounts from both sides of the argument.
Now, it seems The Lost Leonardo will be adapted into a television dramatization, with Academy Award winner Julianne Moore playing Modestini. Moore is also the executive producer and has partnered with StudioCanal, The Picture Company, Entertainment 360, and Zaftig Films to look for platform buyers.