People can also see the reversed inscription "PINXIT MEA" on the back, which according to Sanfo is proof the portrait was created by Leonardo da Vinci.

Zeng Yi, who planned the exhibition, says the portrait is of immeasurable value and the security at Shandong Provincial Museum, where the exhibition is held, is unprecedented.

On Oct 15, the first day of the exhibition, 15,000 people flocked to the exhibition, forcing the museum to control the inflow of people.

"It's a rare opportunity to appreciate classic European works ranging from the Renaissance to the present. From the works you can see the spirit reflected in the Renaissance is compatible with the spirit we are pursuing now," says Pan Lusheng, a member of China National Academy of Painting.

9 am-5 pm, until Oct 30, daily except Monday. Shandong Museum, 11899 Jingshi Donglu, Jinan, Shandong province. Free admission.

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