DaVinci Sign

Road Sign Math celebrates Leonardo da Vinci's birthday with a sign that the master himself would find invigorating. This sign is a prime example of how basic math isn't always so basic. This sign also celebrates being a blue informational sign instead of the typical green roadway sign.



Having a five number sign that works out mathematically isn't very easy. In fact, you have to wonder if it's merely coincidence or if there is a message hidden in here. Readers of The Da Vinci Code are familiar with Leonardo's use of code, riddles and mathematics. Let me put my investigative hat on and see what message is contained here, if any.

This cryptic message starts with an episode of Star Trek: Original Series titled "Requiem for Methuselah" which features an immortal man born in 3834 B.C. and who turns out to have been Leonardo among many other people. We find our first number in the birthdate of this immortal man born in the 34th year of 3800 B.C.

Now, what number would be paired with 34. Since 34 references a fictional character let's look for another character. In the DC Comics world Leonardo is featured as an ancestor of the famed Freemason Cagliostro. Where was this reference made? Secret Origins #27!

Other numbers are identified to us when we examine important years in Leonardo's life. The master was born in 1452. Right away we can see where 14 comes from. The most famous painting of da Vinci's is the Mona Lisa which he began painting in 1503. He finished it in 1505. This most famous painting took him 2 years to finish. We can see the message of this sign forming.

$$3 + 2 = 5 $$

The two years of the Mona Lisa are captured in Leonardo's birthdate and the fictional references to him.

$${ 14 \over 34 - 27 } = 2 $$

This all comes together in

$$3 + { 14 \over 34 - 27 } = 5 $$

This wonderful sign is located on northbound I-25 just south of Las Vegas, New Mexico.