For centuries, she's been smiling at us. Maybe thinking, 'you have no idea who I am'?

Mona Lisa. Well, researchers trying to identify the woman who modeled for Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting may have come across a critical clue. (Via Wikimedia Commons / Musee du Louvre)

Fox News reports researchers have started DNA tests on a skeleton found in a church in Florence, Italy. 

What they're trying to do is link the skeleton to other recently discovered bones — bones believed to be belong to the model's descendants. 

This is all based on the theory that the model for Mona Lisa was Lisa Gherardini, a noblewoman who lived near da Vinci. (Via euronews)

>> Read more trending stories  

And as The Wall Street Journal reports, if the DNA tests are positive, if this skeleton is Gherardini, the researchers plan to make a computer-generated reconstruction of her face.

And that could solve an age-old mystery. Who is the woman behind the smile? The DNA results are expected by May or June. (Via Wikimedia Commons / Musee du Louvre)

Still, some speculate da Vinci could have used several models over a period of years for the painting. In which case — might need to get Dan Brown on the phone or something.

See more at newsy.com.