Archaeologists have unearthed a skeleton in a rare state of preservation in the Italian city of Florence.

They believe it may be the body of Lisa Gherardini who is the Florentine noblewoman widely believed to have served as the muse for Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Mona Lisa’.

It could be a crucial step towards unraveling the mystery of the woman with the world’s most enigmatic smile.

Leading archeologist Silvano Vinceti says advanced technology means they can find out whether the remains date to the middle of the 16th century.

Gherardini died between the age of 62 and 63.

DNA testing is also set to be carried out.

Vinceti points out they have the remains of Gherardini’s children and these can be compared to the skeleton found.