BellaOnline Forums Education Art Appreciation The Mona Lisa Mystery Solved

Did you hear that a German manuscript expert claims to have solved the identity of the Mona Lisa? The question is:

Do you want to know who Mona Lisa was or would you rather it remain a mystery?

I, for one, am interested in knowing who she really was but am also a little disappointed. The mystery was fun and there was always the anticipation of a clue turning up. How do you feel about it?

To learn about this latest discovery, see my art history article here: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art54986.asp

I think the mystery was the most poignant aspect of The Mona Lisa. I would rather not have found out. It was the woman of a hired help, wasn't it? Or was it his lover? I really did not want to know so I guess I had blocked it out of my mind.

The mystery is definitely part of Mona Lisa's charm. I don't know if I believe the interpretation or not. The notes about having done a portrait of Lisa del Giocondo does not necessarily prove she is the mona lisa. He could have painted another portrait that is actually this woman, no? I don't think it's all that definitive unless the notes say specifically that the Mona Lisa is in fact Lisa Del Giocondo.

What are your thoughts Diana? Do you think it's 100% for certain?

M o e -- I think it's extremely likely but not 100% for certain. I read a book once that talked about just such uncertainties in history and the concept is interesting. The book describes a story that presents another possible explanation for the details surrounding an ancient Egyptian tomb discovery. It is a more convoluted story, not the simpleist interpretation of the facts, but yet it was also possible. The interesting thing is that that's the way history is -- we can never say for certain what happened in the past; we can only make a guess.

So I guess this is the answer until the next discovery comes along and someone else disproves it?

Is the theory that he used himself as the model still alive? I thought that was the best assumption.

I don't remember the details well but there was an expert who had good evidence for believing that Mona Lisa was based on da Vinci's own portrait. I don't know if she has changed her mind in light of the new evidence. But this theory holds a lot of water for me. As an artist, I have been told that my paintings look an awful lot like me. I disagree since I tend to think the resemblance is superficial but maybe it is not something I can see myself. I do use my own body to clarify certain facial features and physical characteristics since I do not hire models. But da Vinci did use models...

The one thing, I feel, that keeps The Mona Lisa alive and famous is the mystery of her. I really think we may never know for sure who the model was and I hope it stays that way.