For centuries, audiences have been captivated by the mysteriousMona Lisa.
Since 1804 the iconic oil painting has been housed at theLouvrein Paris.
About the Artwork
What is theMona Lisa?
TheMona Lisais an oil painting by Italian artist, inventor, and writer Leonardo da Vinci.
Likely completed in 1506, the piece features a portrait of a seated woman set against an imaginary landscape.
In addition to being one of themost famous paintings,it is also the most valuable.
Photo:Galerie de tableaux en très haute définitionviaWikimedia Commons(PD-1923)
Permanently located in the Louvre Museum, it is estimated to be worth an impressive $800 million today.
Who is Mona Lisa?
She is shown seated in aloggia, or a room with at least one open side.
“Mona Lisa” detail
Hergazeis another bewitching part of the composition.
Whatever the caseperceived or realher ambiguous expression is one of the strongest reasons for theMona Lisas enduring success.
Why is theMona Lisaso famous?
“Mona Lisa” detail
At the beginning of the 2oth century, theMona Lisawas still relatively unknown outside of the art world.
Then, in 1911, a heist put the painting in the spotlight.
Newspaper detailing that the Mona Lisa' had been found two years after its disappearance.
Photo:The TelegraphviaWikimedia Commons(Public domain)
Eventually, theMona Lisawas returned to the Louvre, and Peruggia had to serve six months in prison.
Newspaper detailing that the ‘Mona Lisa' had been found two years after its disappearance. (Photo:Le Petit ParisienviaWikimedia Commons, PD-1923)
Photo:Stock Photosfrom Resul Muslu/Shutterstock
