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5 fascinating facts about the Mona Lisa
The Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo Da Vinci, is possibly the most famous and recognized painting in the world.
It has captured the attention of people for hundreds of years and since being displayed in Le Louvre, it has drawn visitors from all over the world to see it in real life.
But why are we obsessed with a picture?
Here are 5 fascinating facts about the Mona Lisa that will make you want to know more or even see for yourself.
The Mona Lisa painting is only 30 inches tall.
Although the Mona Lisa is one of the most famous paintings in the world, it is also one of the smallest paintings in the world.
When visitors travel far to see the Mona Lisa, they usually expect a monumental painting but the painting is only 30 x 20 Inches (77 x 53 cm) in size.
This is partly due to our ability to watch everything online before seeing it live.
This possibility means that we end up looking at the picture out of context, leading us to make assumptions about its dimensions.
Did you know that "Mona Lisa" is not her real name?
This may sound like a hoax, but it's not really her name.
It is thought that the woman shown in the painting is Lisa Gherardini, the wife of a rich Italian man named Francesco del Giocondo.
History indicates that he entrusted the work to Leonardo Da Vinci in 1503.
The work is named Mona Lisa, roughly translating to "My Lady Lisa", but it was never completed.
Da Vinci died in 1516, so the painting was handed over to his assistant, who had not yet finished the painting before his death.
Not sure exactly who is in the portrait, this is just one of many theories.
The Mona Lisa has only been stolen once.
The Mona Lisa has been transferred from one master to another over the course of many years, but it has only been stolen once.
On August 21, 1911, the Mona Lisa was stolen from her permanent resting place in Le Louvre, Paris, France.
The theft was discovered the morning after it was suspected that it had been carried out.
The theft remained a 2 year mystery, as it was difficult to track down where she went.
As a result, journalists and the media have created massive campaigns to ensure that the smile of Mona Lisa is ingrained in the public's mind to ensure everyone's attention.
It was not until November 1913 in Florence that the Mona Lisa was found.
The painting was proposed by a man named Vincenzo Peruggia to art dealer Alfredo Geri.
Geri, accept the offer and notify the police so it can be returned to Le Louvre.
Mona Lisa has her own mailbox.
Over the years, many people have been seduced by the mysterious personality of "Mona Lisa" and this has attracted much attention to her portrait.
So much so, a personal mailbox had been set up for her in the Le Louvre.
Although she is no longer alive and has not been for many years, she still receives love letters, poems and flowers.
There, we had so many galleries set up a mailbox to receive all these gifts.
Mona Lisa has stolen the hearts of many men, even after her death!
The Mona Lisa painting, has captivated the hearts of many men, some of which have died for her.
For a small picture, it has influenced the course of history and the lives of many men.
Napoleon hung the painting on his palace bedroom wall for about four years.
It was said that he found her very attractive so he embarked on a mission to find an Italian woman to marry.
His affection for her led him to marry Teresa Guadagni, a descendant of Lisa Gherardini.
As with the men trying to look for her looks or relatives, men died for her.
In 1852 Luc Maspero, a Parisian artist threw himself from the 4th floor of a Paris hotel out of love and confusion with the Mona Lisa.
His suicide note read: “For years I struggled desperately with her smile.
Again in 1910, a man, enveloped by her smile, would surely snap himself in front of her painting, so that he could admire her smile upon death.
It is unknown why the mystery of the Mona Lisa's smile is so encapsulated, but it is likely that it will continue to amaze generations to come.
If you find yourself in Paris then this is definitely the part to watch live!
