La Joconde

     One of the most well known pieces of art world-wide is the Mona Lisa, arguably Leonardo da Vinci's most iconic painting. This portrait of a woman, believed to be Lisa Gherardini (Francesco de Giocondo's wife) was painted between 1503 and 1506, and is currently on display in Paris, France's most frequented art museum, the Louvre. The title of this painting is derived from the Italian word mona (the contraction of madonna) meaning "my lady," and is a polite form of addressing a woman, like the English word "Miss." 

     The Mona Lisa is universally famous for the subject's expression and its almost piercing gaze. Da Vinci effectively uses contrast in this painting, because Lisa's hair and clothing are dark, whereas her face is a much lighter color, drawing the viewer directly to the "Lisa's" face. The Mona Lisa was one of the first paintings to have an aerial perspective, or the effect the atmosphere has on the appearance of an object as it is viewed. "Lisa" is painted in a seated position with a vast landscape as a backdrop used as a calming touch for the viewer.

     The Mona Lisa is a much loved painting, especially by da Vinci himself, so much that he carried it around everywhere he went. It is currently on display on the second floor of the Denon Wing of the Louvre Museum.