Who painted the Mona Lisa?
VerifiedAnswer: Leonardo da Vinci
Explanation:
The Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo da Vinci, one of history's most celebrated artists and inventors. This masterpiece was created between 1503 and 1506, during the Italian Renaissance period, though some historians believe da Vinci continued working on it until 1517.
Leonardo da Vinci was an Italian polymath who lived from 1452 to 1519. He wasn't just a painter – he was also an inventor, scientist, engineer, and philosopher. Born in the town of Vinci, Italy, he became one of the most important figures of the Renaissance era. His curiosity about the world around him led him to study anatomy, engineering, astronomy, and many other subjects.
The painting depicts Lisa Gherardini, the wife of a wealthy Florentine merchant named Francesco del Giocondo. This is why the painting is also known as "La Gioconda" in Italian and French. The subject's mysterious smile and direct gaze have captivated viewers for centuries, making it one of the most recognizable artworks in the world.
Da Vinci used a technique called "sfumato" in this painting, which involves the subtle gradation of colors and tones without harsh outlines. This technique gives the Mona Lisa her soft, almost ethereal appearance. The painting is relatively small, measuring just 77 cm × 53 cm (30 in × 21 in), and is painted in oil on a poplar wood panel.
Today, the Mona Lisa hangs in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, where it has been since 1797. It's protected by bulletproof glass and climate-controlled conditions. The painting attracts millions of visitors each year, making it not only the most famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci but arguably the most famous painting in the entire world.
