2007-06-25 15:06:34 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Painting
It is true that a lot of the fame of the Mona Lisa is due to the fact that it created a huge stir when it was stolen. The image of the Mona Lisa was seen by millions of people who otherwise would never have seen it.
More importantly however, is the fact that all of this exposure served to highlite the fact that the Mona Lisa is an exceptionally beautiful and well crafted painting. Arguably Da Vinci's finest work, it is composed to focus on the fine detail of her face. Her enigmatic smile, her placid eyes, and her air of composure are rarely, if ever, as evident in other portraits of this period in my opinion.
Look at the way she is seated. It is obvious that she is posing, but the painting does not convey rigidity - it is very natural in a sense. The detail of her hands, the veil on her head, and the attention to light are the hallmarks of a masterpiece, and this is certainly one.
So while the publicity surrounding her theft in 1911 and return in 1913 may have brought her to wider public attention, the quality of the image itself is what has made her fame endure.
2007-06-26 04:01:15 · answer #1 · answered by MyDogAtticus 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
ACTUALLY- It really wasn't allll that famous, as Leonardo has had many wonderful works in his collection, until it was stolen! It was stolen for a brief period of time which caused a lot of hype (in 1911 from the Louvre). This hype was actually publicized so much that it became an icon of the art world. When it was returned, the hype just stayed up--common and even now non-artsy people actually WANTING to know the secrets and details of the piece. Many renditions have been made of the Mona Lisa since--including her with a mustache by Marcel Duchomp (with the words basically saying "she has a hott a** with it).
If you have itunes I would recommend getting the podcast "Art History in Just a Minute" from EwART Productions. The one released on 2/6/07 is specifically on the Mona Lisa. It'd be perfect for you to see if you're still curious.
2007-06-25 23:25:17 · answer #2 · answered by Jack-A 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The Mona Lisa was created between 1503 -1505, The Florentine merchant Francesco Del Giocondo commissioned the portrait of his third wife Lisa Gherardini, who was 20 years his junior.Lisa became the reincarnation of Aldeira, Leonardo’s adoptive mother. Coincidentally, Aldeira had passed away at 24, Lisa’s age at the time. Perhaps every time that Leonardo looked at Lisa he saw his mother. One thing was for certain, for some reason the artist could never be parted from that mysterious canvas, he would carry it with him till the end of his days.
Also the Mona Lisa painting was never really finish.
2007-06-25 22:51:36 · answer #3 · answered by College Girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A little known fact is...
Mona Lisa was once thought to be a prostitute lover of Mr. Davinci's, which drew in tons of excitement...only to finally realize the painting was that, of HIMSELF if he were a woman!
What a bizarre man.
2007-06-25 22:15:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
it was painted by a famous person
and some claim that it has some hidden messages in it. This one of the "clues" in the "The Da Vinci Code"
2007-06-25 22:14:26 · answer #5 · answered by Freedom Fighter 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What green thumb wrote isn't necessarilly true, although it is a theory. Just so you know.
2007-06-25 22:21:24 · answer #6 · answered by tigerlily22 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hype
2007-06-25 22:23:42 · answer #7 · answered by Gonzo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋