The Mona Lisa

By Catherine Garney

by Catheringarney Garney
art reproductions


The Mona Lisa has fascinated man since Leonardo Da Vinci painted it in the days of the renaissance. Famous for her smile, or lack of the same, its timeless qualities has made a favorite of the ages. As it has also, especially through the novels of Dan Brown, regained temporary appeal, it is set for yet another century at the center of the world art heritage.

Painted between 1503 and 1506 in Florence, the painting is named after Lisa del Giocondo of the Gherardini family of Florence and Tuscany. She was and the wife of wealthy Florentine silk merchant Francesco del Giocondo, and the painting was ordered to celebrate the birth of their second son, Andrea. While there have been many theories as to who is actually depicted in the painting, ranging from Isabella of Aragon to Da Vinci Himself, the traditional view that the sitter is actually Lisa herself seems to be getting traction these days. Still, it does add to the certain mystic allure of the painting that it is not entirely known who the actual subject is. It lends a second layer of mystery which combines with her smile to lead us by the nose as we contemplate what this is all about.



The painting is today the property of the French government and can most days be found at the Louvre Museum in the center of Paris. Its run there has however not been entirely without drama. This celebrated renaissance painting has been stolen, vandalized and puts through serious abuse in its time as the star of the Louvre. The theft was in 1911. It closed the Louvre for a week and when not recovered, it was believed lost forever. It would be 2 years before the real thief, a museum employee, was caught and the painting recovered. Of equal drama, it has been attached with a rock, acid and latest sprayed with red paint by a handicapped woman. This interest in the painting from somewhat unwanted sources has lead to the artwork today being shielded by bulletproof glass.

Its iconic status has also led to the image being used on everything from t-shirts and posters to mugs, key chains and wherever else it would fit. I believe it is not on toilet paper yet, but I could be mistaken and if not, it is probably only a matter of time. For a painting that was insured for $100 million in 1962, about $700 million today, I guess that is only fair.

To see a large selection of hand painted oil painting reproductions from all the great artists please check out art reproductions.