The Enigmatic Smile of Mona Lisa
The Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, is one of the most famous pieces of art in the world. Known for her enigmatic smile and captivating gaze, the Mona Lisa attracts millions of visitors to the Louvre Museum in Paris each year.
The painting is a portrait of Lisa Gherardini, the wife of a Florentine merchant. Leonardo started the painting in 1503 and continued working on it for several years. The Mona Lisa was actually never delivered to its original commissioner, and Leonardo took it with him to France, where he continued to perfect his masterpiece.
Curious Fact!
The Mona Lisa has been copied and parodied endlessly, appearing in everything from pop culture to academic study.