The Mona Lisa or La Gioconda

We live in an era that is so saturated with images, making it seem unimaginable to live at a time when only the wealthiest of people had their likeness captured. Well, that was the situation during the renaissance era, though. Believe it or not, before the fancy cameras, there was a time when the only way to produce one’s portrait wass by hand. It was very time-consuming, and well, money-consuming. However, the sketching and painting were not a problem, since the renaissance is said to be one of the most creative periods in history. It occurred in Europe around 1350–1550, and Italy was the powerhouse of this cultural revival. The gem of the era was unarguably, Leonardo da Vinci. The life and work of Leonardo da Vinci highlighted the era, and one in particular became the most loved and treasured work of all time; The Mona Lisa. The masterpiece is done with such an exquisite technique that involves perfect shading that is almost impossible to replicate, and now it is the most recognized painting in the world. In spite of the technicalities, this Mona Lisa mania has little to do with the painting itself, but rather more about its dubuous nature.

The Mona Lisa is an instantly recognizable face and has become a household name. It is the painting we are most frequently exposed to (145). The painting has become synonymous with paintings in general and has become a bit cliché. Just like you were told to picture a cigarette box, most people would automatically envision a pack of Marlboro's. The painting without a doubt a superstar in its own league. Having said that, some say that the panting does not deserve its fame and that The Mona Lisa is pompous. If you do not belong in that category, then your argument is not with me, but with John ...

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...a Vinci is a genius and whatever might be hidden in The Mona Lisa might be life-changing. But it has been a long time since the search began and it is time to draw the line. A very wise man once said that the key to a successful and meaningful life is to accept the uncertainties. Mona Lisa may just be another secret that needs to remain a secret because sometimes, not knowing the whole truth is better. So instead of wasting more time trying to figure out Mona Lisa’s secret, move on to other artworks that might just be as interesting or even more that we have all looked passed due to our isolation with The Mona Lisa. But before it’s too late, I think I would like to add another theory to this mona mania: The Mona Lisa is smiling mockingly at us viewers – her viewers, for she knows that we are all desperately searching for the secret that might not even exist at all.