The Story tells us that Saunière brought home from Paris copies of three paintings. The first painting could be determined thanks to the text of the large document: "Les Bergers d’Arcadie" by Nicolas Poussin. There are two paintings by Poussin with this title. The first version dates from 1630, the second (and best known) from 1640. In England there is a monument which is a mirrored copy of this. In the early 1970s it was discovered that Poussin had used geometric patterns in his work. In 1994 it was also discovered that the original painting had been taller. In 1971 a tomb was discovered near Arques, strongly resembling the tomb in Poussin’s painting. The location shows resemblances too. When this find became known, it attracted many people. In 1988 one of the "researchers" had used explosives so the owner had the remains of the tomb removed.
The second painting of which Saunière had bought a copy was not found until mid 1990s. It had been painted by David Teniers the Young in the 17th century. Henri Lincoln had already found a copy of this same painting in the 1970s. However this copy is smaller and differs in some details. The third painting was also discovered in the 1990s. The artist is not known. Everything points to the fact that geometry plays an important part in the Mystery.
 "Les Bergers d'Arcadie" of Poussin (1640) |
 "Taller" version |
 Tombe Poussin |
 The tomb today |
 "St.Antony and St.Paul" David Teniers |
 Copy of David Teniers |
 Crowning of pope Celestinus V |