Art Works

The most famous of all his paintings is the Mona Lisa. This is the only painting that is known to be certainly painted by Leonardo. But the thing that attracts people to the Mona Lisa is- who is the subject and what is the secret behind the smile?   

The Mona Lisa is distinguished by the lack of jewellery on the lady. It was common for paintings of the period to have elaborate jewellery on the subject. The Mona Lisa has a simple hairstyle and only a black veil.  There are however small loops on the neckline of the dress. Leonardo’s love of codes has people trying to uncover a meaning in the loops. Most painters had the subject sitting in a stiff position, this painting however shows Mona Lisa sitting in a relaxed position. This painting went against all the trends and traditions of the time, proving that Leonardo never followed traditions.



The Mona Lisa has become so famous that it is now protected by triplex glass; this was donated by the Japanese after its trip to Japan. It has agreed, internationally that the Mona Lisa is to stay at the Louvre in Paris, in order to stop theft and damage. X-rays on the Mona Lisa have revealed that there are three different versions underneath. No one is prepared to try and clean it as there is a chance of repairable damage.