The Mona Lisa is a half-length portrait painting by Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci, considered an archetypal masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance. Here are 12 interesting facts about the painting:
- The painting was created between 1503 and 1507.
- The Mona Lisa is an oil painting on a poplar wood panel, measuring 77 x 53 cm.
- The Mona Lisa is just a shortened title of the painting. In the original, it is called “Portrait of Madame Lisa Giocondo” (Ritratto di Monna Lisa del Giocondo).
- The painting depicts Lisa Gherardini, the wife of Francesco del Giocondo.
- The painting is housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, where it has been on display since 1797.
- The Mona Lisa’s enigmatic expression, which seems both alluring and aloof, has given the portrait universal fame.
- The painting is famous for its use of sfumato, a technique of soft, heavily shaded modeling that creates an ambiguous mood.
- The Mona Lisa has been attacked several times, with one incident resulting in damage to the subject’s left elbow.
- The painting has been stolen once, in 1911, which ironically helped publicize and popularize the painting.
- The Mona Lisa holds the record for the highest art insurance in history, valued at $100 million in 1962.
- The painting has hidden symbols, including a winding road, a bridge, and a winding river, which may represent the journey of life.
- The Mona Lisa is so captivating because it was painted using the golden ratio.
The Mona Lisa is a masterpiece that has captured the hearts of millions around the world. Its history and provenance make it a sought-after object, and its enigmatic smile is still a hotly debated topic today.
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