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Lisa Gherardini and the Soft Shadows of La Joconde
The soft, smoky blending of oil paint on Mona Lisa creates a gaze that follows you. Leonardo da Vinci began this portrait in 1503. [1] The sitter was Lisa Gherardini, who married Francesco del Giocondo in 1495. [2] This led to the official Louvre title, La Joconde. [2] Some scholars still debate who is actually in the picture. [1]
Her body forms a stable triangle against a wild landscape of valleys and mountains. Soft light falls from the left, highlighting her forehead and crossed hands. There are no eyebrows or eyelashes on her face. To see how this style defined the era, view other paintings from the High Renaissance style.
Vincenzo Peruggia and the Louvre Theft of 1911
For centuries, the portrait remained a quiet treasure in the Louvre under inventory number INV 779; MR 316. [2] An aggressive cleaning by Jean-Marie Hooghstoel in 1809 removed some paint layers. [1] This left the face looking slightly washed out. [1] Then, the theft of 1911 by Vincenzo Peruggia made the painting a global sensation. [1]
The masterpiece was finally returned to the museum in 1914. [1] Since then, many people have wondered if can you buy mona lisa for their own home. Our collection of reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci features other beautiful options. You can find his stunning Portrait of a Musician in our shop.
Sizing That Leonardo Masterpiece for Your Room
The original was painted on a white poplar panel. [1] Today, it requires constant climate monitoring. [2] Our hand-painted reproductions use durable linen canvas instead. You can find this piece and Salvator Mundi in our shop. Our collection features this masterpiece in seven sizes, starting from $299.95.
You can choose from unframed, stretched, or framed options. If you want the original proportion, or any other size, you can order custom sizing for your wall. This painting is also featured in our guide to the one hundred most distinguished paintings.
