Leonardo da Vinci
Mona Lisa
Reason for Choosing
I chose Leonardo da Vinci and focused on the Mona Lisa because I was curious as to why this painting has so much value and mystery.
Mona Lisa: Background Information
It is the most recognized painting in the world. The Mona Lisa is an oil painting that was created in the 16th century. They think that Lisa Gherardini got this portrait painted for her husband Francesco del Giocondo.
Mona Lisa History
In 1911 the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre museum in Paris, France. Eduardo de Valfierno hid the painting in the closet and then put it in his jacket and walked out of the building with it. His intentions were to make copies of the Mona Lisa and sell them as the real thing. Valfierno was caught in 1913 when he tried to sell the original to an art dealer.
Connection to Another Time in History
Gainsborough's most famous painting, the Blue Boy, was created in 1770.It is very similar to the Mona Lisa because it is an oil painting and it is a portrait, which was fairly uncommon during that time period.
Copy of Mona Lisa
A copy of the Mona Lisa was discovered at the Prado in Madrid, Spain. After researchers when over the copy they decided that the copy was likely painted by another artist who sat beside Leonardo da Vinci. They believe that the artist who sat beside da Vinci and copied his work, brush-stroke by brush-stroke.
Cites
"History of the Mona Lisa Painting, The Theft, and Leonardo Da Vinci." History of the Mona Lisa Painting, The Theft, and Leonardo Da Vinci. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.
"Leonardo's "Mona Lisa"" Mona Lisa. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.
PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.