Mona lisa louvre

The Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, is the most iconic artwork of the Louvre Museum in Paris, attracting millions of visitors each year.

About this subject

The Mona Lisa is an oil painting on a poplar wood panel, created by Leonardo da Vinci between 1503 and 1506, with later retouches. The artwork depicts a woman with a serene expression and an enigmatic smile, widely believed to be Lisa Gherardini, the wife of a Florentine merchant. The sfumato technique, which softens contours, is a hallmark of the Italian Renaissance and gives the painting a mysterious atmosphere.

Global fame skyrocketed after the 1911 theft, when Louvre employee Vincenzo Peruggia hid it for two years. The crime generated massive media coverage and turned the painting into a celebrity. Since then, it has been regarded as an invaluable cultural treasure, subjected to vandalism and extreme protection measures.

Today, the Mona Lisa is displayed in the Salle des États at the Louvre, behind bulletproof glass with climate control. About 30,000 visitors pass through the room daily to see it, forming long queues. Despite its modest size (77 cm x 53 cm), the work exerts a global fascination that makes it one of the greatest icons in art history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the size of the Mona Lisa?

The painting measures 77 cm in height and 53 cm in width, a relatively small size compared to its fame.

Why is the Mona Lisa so famous?

Its fame stems from Leonardo's innovative technique, the enigmatic smile, and the 1911 theft that turned it into a media phenomenon.

Where is the Mona Lisa displayed?

At the Louvre Museum in Paris, in the Salle des États, protected by bulletproof glass with climate control.