Interesting Facts About Mona Lisa That Will Surprise You
10
The Painting Was Once Believed To Be A Self-Portrait
Some people believed that Leonardo da Vinci (the painter of this piece) may have depicted himself with feminine features in this painting.
9
The Lady’s Name Wasn’t Actually Mona Lisa
Her name was Lisa del Giocondo, (Lisa Gherardini), and lived from June 15, 1479, to July 15, 1542). She came from a line of a wealthy family in the city of Florence.
8
The Mona Lisa Wasn’t Painted On A Regular Canva
This masterpiece was actually painted on a poplar plank. However, this wasn’t uncommon for Renaissance artworks.
7
Mona Lisa May Be Unfinished
It’s said that da Vinci’s right hand became partially paralyzed in 1517 before he could finish the Mona Lisa.
6
The Painting Has Lived With Several French Monarch
Mona Lisa is that the painting has lived with several monarchs, including King Francis I, King Louis XIV, and Napoleon Bonaparte.
6
It May Be Smaller Than You Think
This may sound disappointing, but this oil-on-wood painting only measures 77 cm × 53 cm (30 in × 21 in).
5
It’s Kept In A Bulletproof Glass
Back in the 1950s, a museum visitor poured acid on the Mona Lisa, and to keep the masterpiece safe, it was put behind transparent glass.
4
The Mona Lisa Cannot Be Bought Nor Sold
Mona Lisa cannot be bought nor sold according to the French Heritage law.
3
A Heist Helped Cement Its “Masterpiece” Status
Gossips about the heist also surfaced, further cementing the Mona Lisa’s status as a household name. Even Pablo Picasso was once accused of stealing the painting!
2
The Public Mourned When She Was Stolen
After the painting was stolen, thousands immediately came to the Louvre Museum to stare at the blank wall where it once hung.
1
Vincenzo Peruggia Was The Real Thief Of Mona Lisa
Though Picasso was a suspect, the real culprit was a handy Italian man named Vincenzo Peruggia.