Thank you for joining this fascinating journey into the story of the Mona Lisa.

We explored the origins of Leonardo da Vinci’s famous portrait, the mystery behind its subject, its innovations in art, and the incredible events that led to it becoming the most famous painting in the world.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

A Portrait Born in the Renaissance
Painted around 1503 by Leonardo da Vinci, the Mona Lisa introduced innovative techniques like the three-quarter “Jaconda pose” and sfumato, giving it movement, depth, and an ambiguous, captivating expression.
The Mystery of the Sitter
Most historians believe she was Lisa Gherardini, wife of Florentine merchant Francesco del Giocondo. However, alternative theories range from famous noblewomen to an idealized woman—or even Leonardo himself.
From Italy to France
Leonardo kept the painting for years, eventually taking it to France, where King Francis I acquired it. It remained in royal palaces until the French Revolution, when it moved to the Louvre.
The Theft that Made Her Famous
In 1911, Vincenzo Peruggia stole the Mona Lisa from the Louvre. The press coverage was immense, and more people visited the museum to see the empty wall than had seen the painting before its disappearance—cementing its global fame.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Today, the Mona Lisa attracts over 10 million visitors annually. It’s protected behind bulletproof glass, endlessly copied, and remains a subject of fascination for its artistry, history, and the allure of that smile.