A neuro-scientist claims that da Vinci had exotropia, an eye disorder which means one eye is turned outward.
Visual neuroscientist Christopher Tyler of University of London examined six pieces of art, including Salvator Mundi and Vitruvian Man. Five of the pieces depict an eye misalignment that reflects a disorder called exotropia.
Leonardo da Vinci’s teacher, Andrea del Verrocchio, may have used da Vinci as a model for this sculpture of King David. The difference in the angles between the left and right pupils suggests the teacher captured da Vinci’s exotropia.
Exotropia is a condition where one eye turns slightly outward. It can interfere with three-dimensional vision, and it is one of several eye disorders collectively called strabismus. Today, strabismus is treated with special glasses, eye patches or surgery. If da Vinci could have controlled his exotropia, it would have been an artistic advantage. Tyler says: “The artist’s job is to paint on a 2-D surface,this can be difficult when you view the world three-dimensionally.” Both eyes need to focus on the same subject for 3-D vision. Many artists shut one eye when viewing their subjects to more easily translate details into two dimensions. But with exotropia, da Vinci could have easilly switched between 3-D to 2-D vision.
