Mona Lisa

The Mona Lisa is considered one of the most famous and influential pieces in art history. The painting was created between 1503 and 1506 by Italian painter and inventor, Leonardo Da Vinci. It depicts a woman whom many have speculated to be Lisa Gherardini, a woman from Florence, Italy. The woman is seated against a dark landscape background and is depicted with a strange, serene expression and a slight smile. The smile, attention to detail, and use of sfumato (a technique that creates soft, smoky effects) are what make the Mona Lisa so influential and captivating. There were also several notable events regarding the Mona Lisa such as its theft in 1911 from the Louvre Museum in Paris. This incident launched the painting into even greater prominence and today, it is still displayed in the Louvre, where it attracts millions of visitors each year. Overall, The Mona Lisa has influenced countless artists, inspired many imitations and parodies, and become a cultural symbol of beauty, intrigue, and mystery.