Iconic Renaissance Paintings: 'Mona Lisa' and 'The Last Supper'

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Mona Lisa' and 'The Last Supper' are two of the most iconic paintings in history, both painted during the Renaissance. It was originally such a portrait, but over time, its meaning has evolved, becoming a symbol of the Renaissance and becoming the most famous painting in the world. 'Mona Lisa' is probably a portrait of the wife of a Florentine businessman, her eyes are on her husband. It is a portrait of the wife of the wealthy Florentine citizen Francesco del Gioconda, created in 1504 by Leonardo da Vinci, one of the great artists of the Italian Renaissance.

Mona Lisa is a bust portrait of the Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci. It is considered a typical masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance and is described as 'the most famous, visited, written, sung and imitated work of art in the world'. This painting may be the work of Lisa Gherardini, wife of Francesco del Giocondo and Italian nobleman, painted on a white Lombard poplar panel. The artwork was never given to the Giocondo family, and it was later assumed that it was left in the will of Leonardo's favorite student, Salé.

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The title of this painting, called Mona Lisa in English, comes from the description of the Renaissance art historian Giorgio Vasari, who wrote: 'Leonardo promised to be Francesco Delgio Condo and painted a portrait of his wife Mona Lisa.' Mona in Italian is a polite form of address that originated from ma donna, similar to Madam or my Lady in English. Although the title of this painting is traditionally written Mona, it is also commonly written Monna Lisa in modern Italian, but this is rare in English. Vasari's description of the Mona Lisa is from his biography of Leonardo da Vinci, which was published 31 years after the artist's death in 1550. When Leonardo’s assistant Salaì died in 1524, he had a portrait. In his personal file, the painting was titled La Gioconda, a painting bequeathed to him by Leonardo .

In 2005, a scholar at Heidelberg University found a side note in the 1477 print of a book by the ancient Roman philosopher Cicero, confirming that Leonardo painted such a work and its date. This note is dated October 1503 and was written by Leonardo’s contemporary Agostino Vespucci (Agostino Vespucci). This note compares Leonardo with the famous Greek painter Apeles mentioned in the article, and points out that Leonardo was working on a painting by Lisa del Giocondo at the time . In response to the discovery of the document, Vincent De Livin, the representative of the Louvre, said: 'Leonardo da Vinci painted a Florentine lady named Lisa del Giocondo in 1503. Portrait.'

Some people believe that Lisa del Giocondo is the subject of another portrait. At least four other paintings are the Mona Lisa mentioned by Vasari. 21st century art historians agree that this painting represents Lisa del Giocondo's traditional long-term vision.

Among Leonardo da Vinci's works, 'Mona Lisa' is the only one whose authenticity has never been affected. The seriously questioned portrait is also one of the four works; the others are 'Saint Jerome in Nature', 'The Adoration of the Magi' and 'The Last Supper'. his signature avoids controversies. In October 1503, he began to create a portrait of Lisa del Giocondo, model of the 'Mona Lisa'. Some people believe that the Mona Lisa began in Florence in 1503 or 1504. Other scholars believe that according to historical documents, Leonardo had painted this work as early as 1513.

Bambach concluded that Leonardo may continue to perfect the work before 1516 or 1517. Leonardo's right hand was paralyzed around 1517, which may indicate something unfinished by the Mona Lisa.

In about 1505, Raphael drew a pencil and ink sketch in which the pillars on either side of the main body are more visible. Experts generally believe that it is based on the portrait of Leonardo. Earlier reproductions of the Mona Lisa, such as those in the National Museum of Art, Architecture, and Design and the Walters Art Museum, include large flanking columns. As a result, the Mona Lisa was thought to be cut out.

Some experts believe that Da Vinci made two versions. The first hypothetical portrait, showing the prominent pillar, was commissioned by Giocondo around 1503 and remained unfinished in the hands of Leonardo Salé's student and assistant until his death in 1524. The second painting was bought in 1513 by Giuliano de Medici, sold to Francis I in 1518 by Sale, and currently hangs in the Louvre. Others believe that there is only one real Mona Lisa, but they disagree with the two destinations mentioned above. In 1797, it was on permanent display at the Louvre.

The empty wall of the Salon Carré in the Louvre after the theft of the painting in 1911.

The artwork was stolen from the Louvre on August 21, 1911. After being confused as to whether the painting was filmed anywhere, the Louvre was closed for a week to investigate. The real culprit was the Louvre employee Vincenzo Perugia, who helped build the display case for this painting. He entered the building during normal business hours for robbery, hid in the broom closet, and the painting hidden under his coat after the museum was closed.

Perugia was an Italian patriot. He believed that Leonardo’s paintings should be returned to the Italian Museum. Perugia’s motivation may have been that a colleague would significantly increase the value of the original after the painting was stolen. After putting the 'Mona Lisa' in his apartment for two years, Perugia became impatient and felt that when he tried to sell it to the director of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Giovanni Poggi Very surprised. It was on display for more than two weeks at the Uffizi Gallery before being returned to the Louvre on January 4, 1914.

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Iconic Renaissance Paintings: ‘Mona Lisa’ and ‘The Last Supper’. (2022, December 27). Edubirdie. Retrieved December 22, 2024, from https://edubirdie.com/examples/mona-lisa-and-the-last-supper-as-the-most-iconic-paintings-of-the-renaissance/
“Iconic Renaissance Paintings: ‘Mona Lisa’ and ‘The Last Supper’.” Edubirdie, 27 Dec. 2022, edubirdie.com/examples/mona-lisa-and-the-last-supper-as-the-most-iconic-paintings-of-the-renaissance/
Iconic Renaissance Paintings: ‘Mona Lisa’ and ‘The Last Supper’. [online]. Available at: <https://edubirdie.com/examples/mona-lisa-and-the-last-supper-as-the-most-iconic-paintings-of-the-renaissance/> [Accessed 22 Dec. 2024].
Iconic Renaissance Paintings: ‘Mona Lisa’ and ‘The Last Supper’ [Internet]. Edubirdie. 2022 Dec 27 [cited 2024 Dec 22]. Available from: https://edubirdie.com/examples/mona-lisa-and-the-last-supper-as-the-most-iconic-paintings-of-the-renaissance/
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