Tuesday, March 25, 2008

THE SMILE OF MONA LISA


Mona Lisa del Gioconda


The portrait full of mystery and secrets is painted on a 77×53 cm large poplar-wood. It is the most famous work of Leonardo da Vinci.

Originally the painting was larger than today, because two columns, one on the left the other one on the right side of Mona Lisa, have been cut. That is the reason why it is not easy to recognize that Mona Lisa is sitting on a terrace.

It is also mentionable that many details are not visible today, because they are partially damaged and some parts of Mona Lisa are painted over.

However the characteristic of the famous painting is still existing. The characteristic consists in the detailed background which disappears in the misty atmosphere (this is called “sfumato” technique), the perfect portrayed Mona Lisa and of course her hypnotically smile.