Mona Lisa

Mona Lisa (La Gioconda)

Leonardo da Vinci · c. 1503–1519

Collection Louvre Museum · ParisMuseum info & exhibitions →

Zoom in to the brushstrokes

This painting was little known 100 years ago

Key Points

The model was the wife of an Italian merchant, but her identity remains a mystery
She has no eyebrows and the painting looks unfinished, but this was actually a deliberate technique
In 1911, an Italian employee stole it and smuggled it into Italy
It has captivated the world with its enigmatic smile

Reading the Work

What's Depicted

This painting is a portrait of Lisa, wife of the Florentine merchant Francesco del Giocondo. Her hands rest on her lap, and a landscape unfolds in the background. Her expression seems to hint at a subtle smile while carrying an air of mystery.

Into the Painting

Leonardo used the "sfumato" technique to add soft shadows and gentle light to the painting. Her hands seem to flow smoothly, and her eyes are rendered in dark tones. Her expression seems to be smiling, yet also seems to hint at something hidden beneath it.

Why It's a Masterpiece

This painting brought the artistic techniques of the Renaissance to their peak and is highly regarded for harmoniously depicting human psychology and nature. Her expression has captivated countless artists and scholars, and even today people continue to explore the painting's mystery and beauty.

Behind the Painting

The theft: an Italian employee under suspicion

In 1911, a Louvre Museum employee stole this painting and smuggled it into Italy. He believed the painting should be returned to Italy, and kept it hidden under his stove at home for two years. He was eventually caught while trying to sell it to an antiques dealer in Florence, and the painting was returned to the Louvre in 1914.

Why there are no eyebrows

No eyebrows were painted in this picture. Some scholars believe this reflected the beauty standards of the time, while others argue it is because the painting is unfinished. However, there is also a theory that Leonardo deliberately chose not to paint eyebrows.

One Art History Story a Week — on Instagram

See exhibition news and masterwork stories first, in reels and cards.

Follow @culturepick_art →

Instagram · Updated weekly

Further reading · Smarthistory · CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Image: Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Last updated 2026-07-17