Discussion about Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and its fame.
Comparison with da Vinci’s Lady with Ermine.
The Cynic's Perspective
Questioning the Mona Lisa's superiority over other artworks.
Director of the Louvre stated 80% of visitors come to see the Mona Lisa.
The Story Behind the Fame
The Mona Lisa's story reveals insights about how art integrates into wider culture.
Its fame may not stem solely from artistic merit.
Key Event: The Disappearance
Before becoming a mass culture icon, the Mona Lisa vanished.
A critic, Walter Pater, played a significant role in elevating it to masterpiece status in his book The Renaissance (1873).
Pater's Writing:
Described the painting with vivid, poetic language.
Notable phrases include:
"The animalism of Greece"
"Older than the rocks among which she sits"
"Like the vampire, she has been dead many times"
His prose was widely popular and influential.
The Rise of Popularity
Critics found the Mona Lisa a subject for secular analysis unlike da Vinci’s Last Supper.
Initially, it was only art world famous.
The Theft
Vincenzo Peruggia's Theft (August 21, 1911):
Stole the Mona Lisa and took it home.
Louvre took a day to notice the painting was missing.
Media frenzy followed, dubbing her the greatest portrait.
Speculations about her smile driving the thief mad, creating fan fiction.
Public interest peaked, with many visiting the Louvre to see the empty wall.
Aftermath of the Theft
The painting was missing for two years.
When recovered, it was showcased in Florence before returning to the Louvre.
The media amplified her fame, turning her into a legend.
The painting became a significant cultural symbol attracting attention from politicians and the public.
Summary of Interpretations
Both cynics and admirers find common ground:
The Mona Lisa serves as a blank face for meaning and mystery.
Its fame lies more in its narrative and cultural significance than solely in its artistic execution.
Conclusion
1909 Description: Even those unimpressed by the painting engage in debates over its beauty and significance, indicating its lasting impact and relevance.