why are ppl so obssessed with mona lisa's smile??it's just a smile!!i'm sure back then other ppl smiles too

Answer 1

it's not so much the physicality of the smile that has people so interested. It's the intention of the smile, and the purpose.
Why was she smiling/ many people think that it's michevious and therefore art becomes real, because we know something about this women who existed so long ago's personality.
other people think that maybe the painter told her a joke, or asked her to think of a fond memory.

There's a romanticism involved in the smile, and people like to piece it together and fill in the gaps.
one of those things..why do you think she was smiling..

Answer 2

I'm not sure it's the smile itself that is really so important. The reason why the Mona Lisa (aka La Giaconda, wife of Francesco Giaconda) is so famous is because she epitomizes Rennaisance painting and culture on several levels. Herself explemplifies the Rennaisance woman with her very high forehead and classic Florentine attire, exhibiting traditional aesthetics of the time.

The painting also demonstrates Leonardo's Sfumato technique: soft, heavily shaded modeling. The fictitious landscape hints at the Florentine landscape using a thick atmospheric approach to perspective.

Any chatter about the painting being a secret self-portrait in drag is just that: chatter. Leonardo was quite the eccentric figure, especially for his day, but nothing has been proven. Recent x-rays of the painting did prove that the Mona Lisa was either pregnant or had recently given birth while sitting for the portrait. This may explain the smile.

Answer 3

It's a very important work. Leonardo da Vinci did not complete many paintings to this level of finish and it is also a superb example of the sfumato technique he invented. It also illustrates da Vinci's moti mentali, or motions of the mind. A moments thought caught in a facial gesture. The landscape depicted in the painting is a place where Leonardo would have probably surveyed on during his work with Cesare Borgia and thus gives credence to Leonardo's movements during his life time. This is part of its importance as a piece of art history.

As for its fame, well that has a lot to do with the mystery that surrounds the painting. What you have to appreciate is that you as a viewer has the right to like or dislike a painting but its importance is of no relevance to the general public . Its value lies with what information it can provide for the art historian. I agree that there have been far more beautiful paintings created during the Renaissance and beyond and that many painters other than Leonardo contributed to art but (and I'm putting my art historians hat on now) you can not compare a painting which is simply nice to look at to a painting which imparts so much valuable information and demands constant research

Answer 4

I have seen the Mona Lisa at the Chicago Art Gallery when it toured the USA in the 70's.
First of all, I had no idea of it's actual size. It's quite large and when I stood in front of it, it was a bit intimidating, especially with the two armed guards, and the velvet ropes in front of it.
To look at the miriad of cracks, and realize its age and history, leaves you mesmerized. Then you realize again that this is THE Mona Lisa, and your legs get weak.
You can't stop staring at it and find yourself not breathing. You're at one with history for the short time you're there. What others think of her smile isn't important. You've had a deeply emotional experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Answer 5

Leonardo Da Vinci painted a masterpiece portrait{ of its day} in the "Mona Lisa".There are alot of historical questions and mystery connected with the artist, and the painting!Many art experts say the smile of "Mona Lisa"is mesmerizing,and her eyes are so brilliantly painted that they appear to follow your every move.Have you ever taken a guided tour through a large museum,and heard a docent talk,and explain about the painting styles ,emotions,and era of works in the galleries???You should try it someday,it will help you understand art a little more.Plus you should find out more about the artist,DaVinci.He was more then just a great artist of his time,a very intriguing person.

Answer 6

Oh no.. thats where the experts came into picture.. because its not just a smile.. It looks as though she is smiling, but also looks like she isn't.. so u tend to think both ways when u look at the picture.. capturing such a moment in a hand painted picture is a wonder..not just in those days...but even today!!!

Answer 7

Good question - I have no idea. but myself personally, i love the painting, i just don't get why it's so famous. I have one copy (an actual painting) of her in my room, and sometimes, I think her eyes are following me and her mouth grins like she is planning something, it's kinda creepy if you ask me....EIA! I am hiding her before I go to bed tonight.! lol

Answer 8

because it is and it isn't a smile, also because of the dramatism and playfulness of the eyes and the smile. it is a wonder how he could have showed so much emotion in a painting.

Answer 9

I have no idea how it became so popular...the smile is actually kind of creepy in my opinion

Answer 10

i don't know..its suppose to be da vinci in drag self portrait maybe thats why its smiling with that @ss grin..