Mona Lisa, originally La Gioconda (in Italian), is one of the most famous paintings in the world and Leonardo da Vinci's most celebrated work. It was produced in the 16th century and is currently exhibited at the Louvre Museum in France.
Because the Mona Lisa is so famous, there are many reproductions of her. Parodies, films, documentaries and music, for example, reproduce this cultural icon recognized worldwide.
Characteristics of the Work
Original painting by Mona Lisa
It is an oil painting on wood that was produced between the years 1503 and 1506.
It presents the portrait (from the bust upwards) of a serene woman. In the art world it is the most expensive work in the world, valued in many millions.
Although many believe that the canvas has large dimensions, the frame is only 77 cm high by 53 cm wide.
The technique used is called sfumato. That's because the material used is rubbed onto the screen, which gives it a smoky style.
Leonardo da Vinci is considered the creator of this technique, where he sought to demonstrate the perfection and balance of shapes and colors.
In Mona Lisa, Da Vinci sought to harmonize the relationship between man and nature, which can be seen in the landscape in the background.
Mona Lisa's Smile
When we look at the work, we get the impression that Mona Lisa is smiling slightly. If we look at her mouth, we notice that she is tilted down.
Therefore, it is not possible to say whether the expression is one of happiness, innocence, pretension or sensationality.
Many experts try to reveal the meaning of Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile.
Who was Mona Lisa?
There are several discussions about who would be the person portrayed in Da Vinci's work. Some believe that it is the painter's self-portrait, others, however, believe that the figure portrayed is Isabel of Aragon, the Duchess of Milan.
The most accepted theory among art historians and scientists today is that the person portrayed is Lisa Gherardini (1479-1542). Lisa was an Italian born in Florence and her husband, Francesco del Giocondo, was the one who commissioned the work for the painter.
One thing is a fact. This painting brings together several mysteries, which is why it is one of the most analyzed in the field of art.
Specialists raise many questions, from the personality, the shy smile of Mona Lisa, the details of the work, the techniques used by Da Vinci, among other aspects.
It is also interesting to note that Mona Lisa's eyes seem to “chase” admirers. This may have been a technique used by Da Vinci to create this effect.
Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) was one of the most important figures of the artistic renaissance in Italy. He is considered one of the greatest geniuses of mankind.
In addition to being a painter, Da Vinci was a sculptor, architect, writer, urban planner, physicist, mathematician, astronomer, engineer, naturalist, chemist, geologist, cartographer, strategist and inventor. However, it was in painting that he had the greatest prominence.
Without a doubt, the Mona Lisa was one of Da Vinci's most emblematic works, but others are also worth mentioning. Examples are: Annunciation, Virgin of the Rocks, Vitruvian man and The last supper.
Learn more about the topic by reading the articles:
- Life and Work of Leonardo da Vinci
- artistic renaissance
- Renaissance Artists
