Who painted the Mona Lisa?

The world's most recognizable portrait, famous for its enigmatic smile, was painted by the quintessential Italian Renaissance master, Leonardo da Vinci. Da Vinci, a true polymath, was not only a painter but also an inventor, scientist, engineer, and anatomist, and his diverse knowledge contributed to the lifelike quality and meticulous detail of this iconic artwork. He began working on the piece around 1503, possibly continuing to refine it until as late as 1519.

The subject of the painting is widely believed to be Lisa Gherardini, the wife of Florentine merchant Francesco del Giocondo, which is why the painting is also known as "La Gioconda" in Italian and "La Joconde" in French. Da Vinci employed his innovative sfumato technique, a method of subtly blending colors and tones without harsh outlines, to create soft transitions between light and shadow. This technique is particularly evident in the subject's facial features and contributes significantly to the mystery of her captivating smile, making it appear to shift depending on the viewer's gaze.

After Leonardo's death in France, the painting became part of the French royal collection and has been housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris since 1797. While already a significant work, its global fame skyrocketed after it was stolen from the Louvre in 1911, sparking a worldwide sensation before its recovery two years later. Today, this oil painting on a poplar wood panel remains one of the most visited and celebrated works of art, drawing millions of admirers each year.