Set on a canvas of Poplar Wood, “Mona Lisa” is said to be the most famous and mystifying painting Leonardo da Vinci ever painted. Leonardo began painting the Mona Lisa in 1503, and is said to have carried it with him throughout his travels, working and reworking it for over four years. Only upon his death did he part with his painting, leaving it with a close friend. He is also credited with inventing the style …showed first 75 words of 382 total…

…showed last 75 words of 382 total…with different levels of contrast and illumination”. Her belief is that as we center our gaze on Mona Lisa’s eyes, our less detail-oriented vison, our peripheral vision, is on her mouth. This is the reason it appears as though in some instances she is smiling, and in others she is not. In any event, is it unquestionable that the Mona Lisa has inspired more interpretations than any other work of art--Louvre Curator Jean-Pierre Cuzin