Behind the mysteries of the Mona Lisa lies a fascinating story that has captured the interest of the art world for centuries.
Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting , exhibited in the Louvre in Paris, attracts millions of visitors. Yet the Mona Lisa's smile remains one of the greatest mysteries in art history. This article sheds light on what we really know about this masterpiece and offers insights into the secrets surrounding the Mona Lisa portrait.
The Mona Lisa is undoubtedly one of the most important works in art history. In her multifaceted smile and lively eyes, the viewer seems to come almost to life.
The Mona Lisa is probably the most famous oil painting in art history, created by Leonardo da Vinci
The famous portrait, painted by the Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci, has survived for centuries and continues to captivate people from all over the world. The painting is housed in the renowned Louvre Museum in Paris, where it is admired by millions of visitors every year.
The painting's title originated from a typo. The correct title would be "Monna Lisa" (translated as "Mrs. Lisa") or the Italian name "La Gioconda" . – Both titles derive from the name of the supposed model: Lisa del Giocondo.
The portrait was painted by the great artist Leonardo da Vinci between 1503 and 1506. It is believed that the woman depicted is Lisa Gherardini , the wife of the Florentine merchant Francesco del Giocondo.
The universal genius Leonardo da Vinci was a man of many talents – engineer, philosopher, and meteorologist. He also served as court artist for prominent figures of his time. However, he became particularly famous for his artworks portraying women. Unlike other artists, he sought not only to capture their beauty but also to understand their character. For him, a woman's inner self was reflected in the movements of her attractive body – her physical appearance was of less interest to him.
Typically, Renaissance oil paintings were painted on canvas to facilitate transport between homes. However, the Mona Lisa is painted on poplar wood, which is extremely sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Due to the delicate nature of the material, the panel has warped over time, causing the oil paint to crack.
For this reason, the Louvre the portrait in a protective glass case in 2005. The glass protects the valuable work (even if a cake is thrown at it) and helps to preserve the portrait. The Louvre has taken additional measures to protect the work by regulating the temperature and humidity inside the glass case.
However, the Mona Lisa wasn't always protected by glass. In 1804, the Mona Lisa was unveiled to the public in the Grand Gallery of the Louvre. Samuel Morse's painting "Gallery of the Louvre" from 1833 depicts the Mona Lisa hanging on the wall in a frame alongside other famous works of art.
Gallery of the Louvre (1833), by Samuel Finley Breese Morse
The identity of the Mona Lisa remains controversial to this day and is doubted by some experts. The controversy surrounding her true identity contributes to the painting's mysterious aura and has given rise to numerous speculations about her origins.
A distinctive feature of the Mona Lisa is her enigmatic smile , which continues to captivate viewers. Much speculation has surrounded this mysterious expression. Some see it as a profound melancholy, while others perceive a subtle irony.
The smile of the Mona Lisa reflects Leonardo da Vinci's extraordinary ability to capture human emotions and character traits with unparalleled precision.
Despite all the speculation and controversy, there are some known facts about the masterpiece. The Mona Lisa was highly valued during Leonardo da Vinci's lifetime and served as inspiration for other artists. It has been restored multiple times over the centuries and is now known worldwide for its exceptional quality and beauty.
The Mona Lisa remains an enigma that continues to captivate the art world. Her story, her identity, and her smile will continue to fascinate and inspire future generations.
The story behind the creation of the Mona Lisa is just as fascinating as the painting itself.
Leonardo da Vinci began work on this portrait around 1503 and only completed it about three years later. During this time, he spent many hours studying the Mona Lisa and capturing every tiny detail of her facial expression.
It is believed that he portrayed her in his studio in Florence before moving to France and taking the painting with him, presumably at the invitation of King Francis I. Historical records indicate that the Italian artist and scholar brought a portrait of a woman with him when he came to stay at the Château du Clos Lucé (also known as Manoir du Cloux), near Amboise (the Loire château).
He lived at court until his death in 1519, and according to legend, Francis I was by his side until the very end.
Until his death, he lovingly cherished his prized possession, refining the layers to match the complexion with vermillion and thus mimic blood vessels. The painting represents his creative legacy—a testament to his unparalleled talent. Despite her unadorned appearance in a simple garment, Mona Lisa's gaze penetrates her viewers in an inimitable way, while she herself remains enigmatic.
According to the Louvre Museum, Francis I bought the painting from Leonardo in 1518. For the next 100 years, the Mona Lisa was displayed in the Palace of Fontainebleau. Then, in the 1640s, King Louis XIV moved it to the Palace of Versailles, where it remained until after the French Revolution.
Since the end of the French Revolution, the Mona Lisa has been part of the collection of the Louvre Museum , where it captivates approximately 10 million art lovers from around the world every year
The choice of a portrait as the subject for this masterpiece was unusual for the time. Most 16th-century paintings were religiously or mythologically inspired, but Leonardo deliberately chose to paint a simple portrait of a woman.
This made the Mona Lisa a pioneer in art history and laid the foundation for the development of portraiture as an independent art form .
The techniques Leonardo da Vinci used to create the Mona Lisa were also innovative. He employed a "sfumato" technique to create soft transitions between colors, establishing depth and thus producing a realistic image. This technique, in which contours gently fade, gives the portrait its unique atmosphere and creates the impression of a mysterious aura surrounding the Mona Lisa.
Despite all this information, much about the creation of the Mona Lisa remains shrouded in mystery. There are few documented records of Leonardo's creative process, and the exact identity of the woman depicted is still a secret.
Nevertheless, the image has become a symbol of the art world and continues to be revered and admired by experts and art lovers alike.
A theft causes a sensation
Although the 500-year-old portrait is known worldwide today, it only became famous after it was stolen in 1911. In fact, the Louvre Museum didn't notice its absence until an admirer spotted it on the walls 24 hours later.
Due to excessive media coverage, the disappearance of the Mona Lisa excited the whole world.
For a short time, the French poet Guillaume Apollinaire under suspicion and was arrested and imprisoned. Apollinaire instead accused his friend Pablo Picasso , who was subsequently questioned. Fortunately, both were soon acquitted of all charges.
Ultimately, it was Vincenzo Peruggia, an employee of the Louvre Museum, who stole the Mona Lisa on August 21, 1911. In his sensational heist, he had himself locked inside the museum overnight. He hid inside a cupboard and, apparently wrapped in his work coat, stole the artwork unnoticed from the premises the following day.
Despite security precautions, a clue was secured: A left thumbprint on a glass case pointed to the thief – however, unfortunately, it was not compared with existing information on the suspect at the time…
Further police investigations proved fruitless, and the theft remained unsolved for more than two years. This was an immense scandal for the Louvre, and the government was forced to dismiss the museum director.
For over three weeks, this story dominated the headlines of all the newspapers. Numerous citizens flocked to the Louvre to inspect the gaping hole in the wall – while street vendors hawked postcards and reproductions of Leonardo's Mona Lisa.
Louvre Museum, empty space due to the absence of Giocondo's portrait of the Monna Lisa after its theft in 1911. By Vincenzo Perrugia. @Alfio
To adequately fill that gap in the museum, Raphael's painting Baldassare Castiglione hung up; it was strongly inspired by the influence of the famous work.
In March 1912, the Louvre Museum acquired Camille Corot's Woman with a Pearl – one of the most famous modern homages to Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, the Mona Lisa. From 1913 onward, this artwork no longer appeared in the catalog of the Louvre Museum in Paris.
Fortunately, the authorities were able to recover the Mona Lisa in 1914 when Peruggia attempted to sell it to an Italian art dealer. He claimed his actions stemmed from a desire to return the artwork to its original homeland.
The controversy surrounding the identity of the Mona Lisa
The controversy surrounding the identity of the Mona Lisa has always been a focal point of discussion and speculation. The portrait-like painting by Leonardo da Vinci, exhibited in the Louvre in Paris, has enjoyed great popularity for many years and continues to raise questions.
Who was the mysterious woman with the enigmatic smile?
Over the years, numerous theories have emerged that attempt to reveal the identity of the Mona Lisa.
The Lisa del Giocondo theory
The most common account is that the patron of Leonardo da Vinci's work was a Florentine nobleman. This nobleman, Francesco del GiocondoLisaGherardini in 1495. The name of the small painting, which measures 77 x 53 cm, derives from this story.
The couple married in 1495, when Lisa was 16 and Francesco was almost twice her age. According to historians, the Gherardinis were a wealthy family due to their holdings in Chianti (the wine region in Tuscany). Because of her high status, Lisa likely knew the famous painter Leonardo da Vinci.
Their presence in the portrait is confirmed by a written account from Leonardo dating from 1503. However, the reason for commissioning the portrait remains unknown. It may have been commissioned to celebrate the birth of the couple's third son.
Lovers of Giuliano di Lorenzo de' Medici?
Another theory suggests that the young woman depicted was the mistress of Giuliano di Lorenzo de' Medici, a leading politician in Florence. Leonardo himself suggested this possibility when, in his later years, he worked for the French king at a château near Amboise.
In his studio, he showed a visitor the portrait of a beautiful woman and explained that it was originally intended for Giuliano de' Medici – the brother of Pope Leo X. It is quite possible that Giuliano commissioned the portrait for his illegitimate son, whose mother had unfortunately already passed away; Leonardo may have painted the boy's ideal vision of his dream woman.
Self-portrait by Leonardo da Vinci?
Yet other historians even believe that the Mona Lisa is a self-portrait by Leonardo da Vinci . Leonardo da Vinci died in 1519 and was buried in a French castle. The Italian National Committee for Cultural Heritage is conducting an investigation and plans to exhume his skull. They intend to reconstruct Leonardo's face using CSI-like technology. Will it resemble the mysterious Mona Lisa?
The controversial debate about the identity of the Mona Lisa continues to this day and leaves room for new theories, art historical analyses and scientific investigations.
It is precisely the uncertainty and complexity of this painting that make it one of the most famous works of art in the world and continually raise new questions. It remains to be seen what new insights will come to light in the coming years and whether they will ultimately bring us closer to the truth about the identity of the Mona Lisa.
Mystery surrounding the Mona Lisa's background solved (?)
In contrast to this hitherto unsolved mystery, art historian Silvano VincetiNational Geographic report , to be on the trail of another – this time in Tuscany. Through the use of drones and thorough research, Vinceti believes he identified part of the landscape in the background of the painting : a bridge called the Romito di Laterina, which once spanned the Arno River west of Arezzo.
Only an arch and a foundation remain of the bridge today – yet Vinceti is convinced: The Etruscan-Roman Romito Bridge near the village of Latrina must be the one that adorns the background of the Mona Lisa.
Calculations suggest that at that time it almost certainly spanned the Arno with four arches – just like the bridge in da Vinci's painting. Furthermore, the striking course of the river and even the wave patterns on site correspond to those depicted in the painting.
Until now, two other structures have been considered the most likely real-life models for the painted bridge: for example, the Ponte Vecchio in Bobbio, northeast of Genoa, or the Ponte Buriano near Arezzo. However, these still-intact structures have six or more arches, unlike the four arches in the painting. Furthermore, the relatively flat riverbanks do not match the landscapes depicted in the painting.
The historian also found documents belonging to the Medici family in the Florence State Archives, which, according to Vinceti, state that in 1503 the bridge was “a very busy and efficient bridge” that reduced travel time between Florence and Arezzo by several hours. It was around this time that da Vinci began work on the Mona Lisa. It is undisputed that the painter frequented the region, Vinceti added.
Thanks to drone footage, Vinceti was also able to identify the Punta Caianello hill, from which the view of the actual bridge in the painting is similar.
Despite all this, the historian is not entirely certain whether it is actually the bridge from the picture.
Another theory cannot be completely ruled out even by these new clues: that the painting depicts a fantasy landscape inspired Tuscany
The Double Mona Lisa
You may not know that another version of the Mona Lisa can be seen Prado Museum
For years it was assumed that the painting was a copy of the original, known the twin sister of the Mona Lisa
The Mona Lisa from the Prado, by a student of Leonardo (probably Francesco Melzi or Andrea Salai)
However, in 2012, restorers at the Prado discovered that the painting was created at the same time as Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. Infrared technology (like an X-ray, but for art ) showed that the preliminary alterations to both works were identical.
Furthermore, the twin painting was made by a pupil who worked with Leonardo. The portrait in the Prado Museum was allegedly made by Leonardo's chief assistant Melzi or his supposed lover Salai.
The figures are identical in form, and both were transferred by tracing the same source material. It is important to understand that only someone working alongside the master painter could have witnessed these adjustments.
The facts – What we know about the masterpiece
For many years, art historians and experts have conducted intensive research to find out more about the Mona Lisa and its history.
It has been analyzed in various ways, from chemical investigations of the color pigments to technical studies of Leonardo da Vinci's painting techniques.
Da Vinci himself is considered one of the greatest artists of the Renaissance , and his influence on the art world is undeniable. The Mona Lisa is an example of his masterful ability to use light and shadow to create depth and realism.
How much is the Mona Lisa worth today?
The Mona Lisa is one of the most famous paintings in the world and therefore has enormous historical and cultural value. However, in monetary terms, it is difficult to specify an exact value, as the market value of artworks can vary and depends on various factors.
The Mona Lisa is estimated to be worth several hundred million dollars today. This is based on a combination of its iconic status, its unique history, and the popularity of the artist Leonardo da Vinci.
in the Guinness Book of Records as the most expensive insurance policy in history , valued at $100 million in 1962, which is equivalent to $650 million in 2018.
It is important to note that the Mona Lisa is on display in the Louvre Museum in Paris and belongs to the French state. It is part of France's cultural heritage and therefore practically unsellable.
Its value as a work of art transcends purely financial considerations and is often deemed priceless. The Mona Lisa is also frequently considered an uninsurable work of art, as its loss or damage is considered irreplaceable.
It is therefore unlikely that it will ever appear on an auction market. Overall, the Mona Lisa is a symbol of immeasurable artistic value and cultural significance, and its price can hardly be adequately quantified.
Mona Lisa in pop culture
In 1919, Marcel Duchamp didn't hesitate for a moment to create his own version of the Mona Lisa portrait.
By adding the lettering “LHOOQ” , he created the word “Look” in English, while in French – if you pronounce each letter individually – it makes a suggestive joke.
Dan Brown's novel "The Da Vinci Code" sold over 80 million copies in 2003 and gave the Mona Lisa a new dimension of popularity. In Brown's esoteric thriller, which achieved international success, it plays a central role in the unveiling of one of the mysteries depicted.
The Mona Lisa continues to fascinate and amaze us. Her mysterious allure has almost made her the symbol of the Louvre. If you wish to see her, you should go to the paintings section, specifically to Room 6 in the Denon Wing.
Crowd around the Mona Lisa oil painting in the Louvre, Paris, photographed by Pueri Jason Scott (American), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Fascinating facts
Although the story of the Mona Lisa is extensive, here are some particularly fascinating facts about the mysterious portrait that you may not have known:
It is possible that the oil painting is unfinished – in the last years of his life, Leonardo was unable to paint due to trembling hands.
Lisa Gherardini's smile was also examined by doctors as a sign of illness.
From 1801 to 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte – a great fan of the painting – hung the Mona Lisa in his bedroom in the Tuileries Palace.
Even Vincent van Gogh , himself a significant painter, raved about the Mona Lisa. In a letter to his brother Theo, he wrote: "There is nothing more beautiful than a painting by Leonardo da Vinci."
On August 29, 1939, two days before the outbreak of World War II, the Louvre Museum closed for repairs. During its closure, the museum secretly moved artworks, including the Mona Lisa, for safekeeping during the war.
First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy requested that the Mona Lisa be exhibited in the United States for the first time in history. It was on display at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., in 1963.
The last time the Mona Lisa was loaned to a museum was in 1974.
Since the painting first appeared in the Louvre in 1815, the "Mona Lisa" has received numerous love letters and flowers from admirers. She even has her own mailbox.
In 2012, 150,000 people signed a petition asking the Louvre to return the Mona Lisa to its home city of Florence, Italy. Naturally, the Louvre refused.
In 2018, the Mona Lisa appeared in a music video by Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Louvre Museum created a virtual reality of the Mona Lisa.
If the Mona Lisa were valued today, it would be worth over 900 million dollars, making it the most expensive painting in the world.
List of sources:
Literature:
Kemp, Martin, and Giuseppe Pallanti. Mona Lisa: The people and the painting . Oxford University Press, 2017.
Robert Wallace: Leonardo da Vinci and His Time. 1452–1519. Translated into German by Erich Moebes. Time-Life International, Amsterdam 1968 (1966).
Thomas David: Leonardo da Vinci. Mona Lisa . Rowohlt, Reinbek near Hamburg 1997, ISBN 3-499-20840-7.
Jean-Pierre Mohan, Michel Menu, Bruno Mottin (eds.): At the Heart of the Mona Lisa – Decoding a Masterpiece. A scientific expedition into the workshop of Leonardo da Vinci in collaboration with the Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France . Schirmer/Mosel, Munich 2006, ISBN 3-8296-0233-2.
Charles Nicholl: Leonardo da Vinci – The Biography . S. Fischer, Frankfurt am Main 2006, ISBN 978-3-10-052405-8.
Veit Probst: On the Genesis of the Mona Lisa: Leonardo da Vinci Meets Niccolò Machiavelli and Agostino Vespucci. Verlag Regionalkultur, Ubstadt-Weiher 2008, ISBN 978-3-89735-538-5
Owner and Managing Director of Kunstplaza. Journalist, editor, and passionate blogger in the field of art, design, and creativity since 2011. Successful completion of a degree in web design as part of a university study (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expressive painting, and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.
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