#FACT: Did you realize that the renowned Mona Lisa artwork was only stolen once?
The Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo Da Vinci, is probably the world's most renowned and recognizable painting.
It has captivated people for centuries, and while it has been on exhibit in Le Louvre, visitors from all over the world have come to see it in person.
But why are we so obsessed with one painting? What is it about the Mona Lisa's grin that captures the attention of thousands?
Here are five amazing facts about the Mona Lisa that will make you want to learn more or visit it for yourself.
1. The Mona Lisa artwork stands barely 30 inches tall.
It has captivated people for centuries, and while it has been on exhibit in Le Louvre, visitors from all over the world have come to see it in person.
But why are we so obsessed with one painting? What is it about the Mona Lisa's grin that captures the attention of thousands?
Here are five amazing facts about the Mona Lisa that will make you want to learn more or visit it for yourself.
1. The Mona Lisa artwork stands barely 30 inches tall.
The Mona Lisa is one of the world's most renowned paintings, yet it is also one of its tiniest.
When people come far to view the Mona Lisa, they generally expect a large-scale painting, although the artwork is merely 30 × 20 inches (77 x 53 cm).
This is partly due to our capacity to view items online before viewing them in person.
This ability causes us to look at the artwork out of context, leading to preconceptions about its size.
When people come far to view the Mona Lisa, they generally expect a large-scale painting, although the artwork is merely 30 × 20 inches (77 x 53 cm).
This is partly due to our capacity to view items online before viewing them in person.
This ability causes us to look at the artwork out of context, leading to preconceptions about its size.
2. Did you know that "Mona Lisa" was not her true name?
This may sound like a joke, but it is not her true name.
The lady depicted in the artwork is considered to be Lisa Gherardini, the wife of a rich Italian called Francesco del Giocondo.
According to historical records, he commissioned the piece from Leonardo Da Vinci in 1503.
The painting was titled Mona Lisa, which loosely translates to "My Lady Lisa", however it was never finished.
Da Vinci died in 1516, therefore the painting was given up to his helper, as he had not finished it personally before dying.
It is unclear who is in the image; this is simply one of several ideas.
3. The Mona Lisa was only stolen once.
The Mona Lisa has passed from one owner to another throughout the years, yet it has only been stolen once.
On August 21, 1911, the Mona Lisa was stolen from its permanent resting place at Le Louvre, Paris, France.
The theft was uncovered the morning after it was suspected of being taken.
The theft remained a mystery for two years since it was impossible to determine where she had gone.
As a result, journalists and the media launched massive efforts to ensure that the Mona Lisa grin was engraved on the public's psyche, keeping everyone on the watch.
The Mona Lisa wasn't discovered until November 1913, in Florence.
The painting has been offered The Mona Lisa has passed from one owner to another throughout the years, yet it has only been stolen once.
On August 21, 1911, the Mona Lisa was stolen from its permanent resting place at Le Louvre, Paris, France.
The theft was uncovered the morning after it was suspected of being taken.
The theft remained a mystery for two years since it was impossible to determine where she had gone.
As a result, journalists and the media launched massive efforts to ensure that the Mona Lisa grin was engraved on the public's psyche, keeping everyone on the watch.
The Mona Lisa wasn't discovered until November 1913, in Florence.
The painting has been offered The Mona Lisa has passed from one owner to another throughout the years, yet it has only been stolen once.
On August 21, 1911, the Mona Lisa was stolen from its permanent resting place at Le Louvre, Paris, France.
The theft was uncovered the morning after it was suspected of being taken.
The theft remained a mystery for two years since it was impossible to determine where she had gone.
As a result, journalists and the media launched massive efforts to ensure that the Mona Lisa grin was engraved on the public's psyche, keeping everyone on the watch.
The Mona Lisa wasn't discovered until November 1913, in Florence.
The painting has been offered.
4. Mona Lisa captured the hearts of many men, even after she died!
The mesmerizing piece of art known as the Mona Lisa, managed to capture the attention and affection of numerous individuals, a few of whom were even willing to sacrifice their lives for her. Despite its relatively small size, this painting has had a profound impact on the trajectory of history and the emotions of countless men who have encountered it. Napoleon, the famed French leader, proudly displayed this portrait in his bedroom within the confines of his palace for an extended period lasting approximately 4 years. Legend has it that his fascination with the Mona Lisa drove him to embark on a quest to seek out an Italian lady to wed, inspired by the allure of her enigmatic smile.
His devotion to this painting ultimately resulted in his union with Teresa Guadagni, a woman believed to be a descendant of the enigmatic Lisa Gherardini. In addition to individuals attempting to find doppelgangers or connections to her, there were also those who met tragic fates due to their infatuation with her. In the year 1852, Luc Maspero, an artist from Paris, tragically ended his life by throwing himself from the fourth story of a hotel in the city, consumed by his love and perplexity surrounding the Mona Lisa. In a poignant suicide note, he expressed, “For an extensive period, I have been tormented by her smile, and I have reached the conclusion that it is preferable for me to depart from this world.”
Moreover, in 1910, another man, deeply entranced by the enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa, chose to end his life in a dramatic fashion by shooting himself in front of the painting, ensuring that he could gaze at her smile as he took his last breath. The enigma behind the Mona Lisa's smile continues to captivate the hearts and minds of many, with its allure likely to bewilder future generations as well. If you ever find yourself in the enchanting city of Paris, making it a point to behold this masterpiece in person should undoubtedly be a priority on your list of experiences!
