Study suggests Botticelli muse Simonetta Vespucci died of tumor, not tuberculosis

A new study concludes that Simonetta Vespucci, the model for Botticelli's 'The Birth of Venus,' likely died from a pituitary tumor apoplexy at age 23, not tuberculosis as long believed. Research by specialists from Queen Mary University of London, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, and the University of California analyzed historical documents and used facial recognition algorithms on Botticelli's portraits to support the diagnosis. Source: elcaribedr

The evidence

• Historical letters between Piero Vespucci and Lorenzo de' Medici describe Vespucci collapsing at a dance, followed by severe headaches, hallucinations, vomiting, and high fever—symptoms consistent with pituitary apoplexy. Source: elcaribedr
• Botticelli's allegorical portrait shows lactation despite Vespucci never having children, along with progressive facial changes. The researchers' deep-learning facial recognition algorithm detected features typical of a prolactin- and growth-hormone-secreting adenoma. Source: euronewses
• The study suggests the apoplexy might have been triggered by her energetic dancing or a possible assault by Alfonso II of Aragon, Duke of Calabria. Source: elcaribedr

Both sources agree on the new diagnosis, contrasting with the long-held tuberculosis theory. The research was published in the journal Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism. Source: euronewses