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Art Encyclopedia Entry 1779738725

** The **Mona Lisa** is a world-renowned portrait painting created by the Italian master **Leonardo da Vinci** in the early 16th century, widely considered one of the greatest paintings of all time. ## Overview The **Mona Lisa** is an oil painting on a single piece of poplar wood, measuring 77 x 53 cm (30 x 20.8 in). It is a portrait of a woman who is believed to be **Lisa del Giocondo**, the wife of a wealthy merchant named **Francesco del Giocondo**. The painting is known for its enigmatic smile, intricate details, and masterful use of sfumato, a technique that creates a soft, hazy effect by layering thin glazes of paint. Leonardo da Vinci's **Mona Lisa** is a masterpiece of Renaissance art, a period marked by a resurgence of classical Greek and Roman culture in Europe. The painting's creation spanned several years, with da Vinci working on it intermittently between 1503 and 1517. The **Mona Lisa** is considered a prime example of da Vinci's innovative use of perspective, anatomy, and composition. ## History/Background Leonardo da Vinci was born in **Vinci**, Italy in 1452 and was trained in the arts by his father, a notary. He later became an apprentice to the artist **Andrea del Verrocchio** in Florence, where he honed his skills as a painter, sculptor, and engineer. Da Vinci's fascination with human anatomy led him to make detailed drawings of the body, which would later influence his art. The **Mona Lisa** is believed to have been painted in the early 16th century, during the Italian Renaissance. The painting's subject, **Lisa del Giocondo**, was a member of a wealthy family in Florence. Her husband, **Francesco del Giocondo**, was a successful merchant who commissioned the painting as a portrait of his wife. ## Key Information The **Mona Lisa** is a small painting, but its impact is enormous. It is widely considered one of the greatest paintings of all time, and its enigmatic smile has become an iconic symbol of art and culture. The painting's use of sfumato creates a sense of depth and volume, drawing the viewer's eye into the painting. The **Mona Lisa** has undergone several restorations and conservations over the years, including a major restoration in the 19th century. In 1911, the painting was stolen from the **Louvre Museum** in Paris, where it was on display. It was recovered two years later and returned to the Louvre, where it remains one of the museum's most popular attractions. ## Significance The **Mona Lisa** is a cultural icon, symbolizing the Renaissance and the artistic innovations of the time. Its enigmatic smile has been the subject of countless interpretations and analyses, from art historians to popular culture. The painting's influence can be seen in countless works of art, from paintings to films to advertising. The **Mona Lisa** has also become a cultural phenomenon, with countless parodies, spoofs, and references in popular culture. Its image has been used in advertising, fashion, and even politics, cementing its status as a cultural icon. INFOBOX: - Name: **Mona Lisa** - Type: **Oil painting** - Date: **1503-1517** - Location: **Louvre Museum**, Paris - Known For: **Enigmatic smile**, **Masterful use of sfumato** TAGS: **Leonardo da Vinci**, **Renaissance art**, **Mona Lisa**, **Louvre Museum**, **Enigmatic smile**, **Sfumato**, **Art history**, **Cultural icon**