The Mona Lisa Mystery | Why is it World's Most Famous Painting? | Dhruv Rathee

Dhruv Rathee・2 minutes read

In 1911, the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre by Vincenzo Peruggia, who believed it belonged in Italy, but the painting was recovered and remains a renowned masterpiece valued at close to $1 billion. The theft incident, and subsequent return and display of the painting, significantly increased its popularity, transforming it into the world's most famous painting.

Insights

  • The theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911 led to its recovery in Italy by Vincenzo Peruggia, who believed it rightfully belonged to Italy, showcasing the painting's immense cultural significance and sparking international interest in its history and whereabouts.
  • Leonardo da Vinci's meticulous techniques and studies, such as the Sfumato method and understanding of facial anatomy, contributed to the enigmatic smile and lifelike qualities of the Mona Lisa, underscoring the depth of artistry and scientific knowledge intertwined in this iconic masterpiece.

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Recent questions

  • Who painted the Mona Lisa?

    Leonardo da Vinci

  • What is the value of the Mona Lisa?

    Close to $1 billion

  • Where is the Mona Lisa displayed?

    Louvre Museum

  • Who is the subject of the Mona Lisa?

    Lisa Gherardini

  • Why was the Mona Lisa stolen in 1911?

    Belief it belonged to Italy

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Summary

00:00

"The Stolen Mona Lisa: A Masterpiece's Journey"

  • On 21st August 1911, three men stole the Mona Lisa from the Louvre Museum in Paris, carrying it hidden in a blanket and escaping on a train at 8.45 in the morning.
  • The Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci in 1503, is valued close to $1 billion and is renowned for its mysterious smile.
  • The woman in the painting is believed to be Lisa Gherardini, wife of Francesco Giocondo, hence the names Mona Lisa and La Gioconda.
  • Despite theories suggesting other identities, extensive research confirmed Lisa Giocondo as the subject of the painting.
  • Leonardo da Vinci's diverse talents and knowledge spanned various fields, contributing to the intrigue surrounding the Mona Lisa.
  • The painting was moved to France in 1516 when King Francis I invited da Vinci to live there, and it remained in the French Royal Collection after da Vinci's death in 1519.
  • The Mona Lisa's theft in 1911 by Vincenzo Peruggia was driven by his belief that the painting belonged to Italy, leading to its recovery in Italy.
  • The Mona Lisa, painted on poplar wood, is a half-length portrait focusing closely on the subject, utilizing da Vinci's unique Sfumato technique.
  • Da Vinci's meticulous study of facial muscles and nerves, along with his understanding of optics, contributed to the enigmatic smile and lifelike qualities of the Mona Lisa.
  • The existence of a second Mona Lisa painting, known as the Isleworth Mona Lisa, suggests da Vinci may have been working on two versions of the iconic portrait simultaneously, sparking ongoing debate and research.

14:11

Isleworth Mona Lisa: Theft, Return, Fame

  • The Isleworth Mona Lisa investigation revealed a theory that Leonardo da Vinci painted the face and hands, while an inferior artist did the background, possibly from his workshop. The theft mastermind, Vincenzo Peruggia, an employee at the Louvre Museum, stole the painting, believing it should be in an Italian museum. After hiding it for two years, he tried to sell it to Giovanni Poggi, who recognized it as stolen, leading to Peruggia's arrest and the painting's return to the Louvre Museum.
  • The stolen Mona Lisa, returned on 4th January, 1914, is now displayed at the Louvre Museum behind bulletproof glass in controlled conditions of 50% +/- 10% humidity and 18°C to 21°C temperature. Interestingly, the theft incident significantly boosted the Mona Lisa's popularity, making it the world's most famous painting, previously known mainly to art enthusiasts but not to the general public.
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