Mona lisa louvre

The Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, is displayed at the Louvre Museum in Paris, attracting millions of visitors each year.

About this subject

The Mona Lisa, also known as La Gioconda, is an oil painting on poplar wood created by Leonardo da Vinci between 1503 and 1519. It is housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, where it occupies a climate-controlled room behind bulletproof glass. The painting measures just 77 cm by 53 cm, but its fame is immense: it is considered the most visited and most photographed painting in the world.

Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile, likely depicting Lisa Gherardini, the wife of a Florentine merchant, has sparked centuries of speculation. Leonardo used the sfumato technique to soften outlines, creating a subtle transition between light and shadow. The work was brought to France by da Vinci himself when he moved to the court of Francis I, and later entered the royal collection. During the French Revolution, it was transferred to the Louvre.

The Mona Lisa was stolen in 1911 by a museum employee, Vincenzo Peruggia, who kept it hidden for two years before being discovered in Italy. The theft greatly increased its fame. Today, the painting is displayed behind armored glass with controlled lighting, and the queue to see it can take hours. It is a symbol of the Italian Renaissance and of the Louvre itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the model for the Mona Lisa?

The model is believed to be Lisa Gherardini, wife of Francesco del Giocondo, a Florentine merchant. Hence the Italian name La Gioconda.

Why is the Mona Lisa in the Louvre?

Leonardo da Vinci brought the painting with him to France at the invitation of King Francis I. After his death, it remained at the French court and later became part of the Louvre's collection.

Has the Mona Lisa ever been damaged?

Yes. In 1956, a visitor threw acid at the lower part, and in 2009, a tourist threw a teacup. Repairs were made, and today the painting is protected by bulletproof glass.