Mona Lisa
Leonardo da Vinci, circa 1503–1507
oil on poplar, 77 × 53 cm , 30 × 21 inches
Paris, Musée du Louvre
Mona Lisa, or La Gioconda (La Joconde), is a 16th-century oil painting on poplar wood by Leonardo da Vinci, and is arguably the most famous painting in the world. Few works of art have been subject to as much scrutiny, study, mythologizing and parody. It is owned by the French government and hangs in the Musée du Louvre in Paris.
The painting, a half-length portrait, depicts a woman whose gaze meets the viewer's with an expression often described as enigmatic.
QUESTIONS:
1) Why do you think this painting is so loved and well-known by people all over the world? What makes it so special?
2) How does the figure in the painting make you feel?
3 comments:
I think the Mona Lisa is a popular painting because of how Da Vinci was able to capture a mysterious look on her face. She is smiling and her eyes seem to follow you when you look at her which is pretty creepy. I think the Mona Lisa is thinking about how she must look on the canvas so she is trying her best to smile but not show too much of a happy expression. She still wants to look modest and have some solitude.
I think this painting is only popular because it was done by someone famous (da vinci). If the painting was done by someone else, it probably would not be as well known.
To answer question #2, I think that Mona Lisa is just trying real hard to keep a straight face for Leonardo.
#1: see n°2
#2:
It makes me feel like the image that I have of myself, and me, are one.
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