Chapter 1: The Legacy of the Mona Lisa

When discussing remarkable artworks, one of the first names that springs to mind is Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. On a superficial level, it appears to be a quintessential half-length portrait of a woman from the Italian Renaissance. However, its significance extends far beyond that. Over the years, the Mona Lisa has become one of the most recognized art pieces globally, valued at an astounding $100 million in 1962—equivalent to over $852 million today.

Created between 1503 and 1506, this iconic painting is thought to depict Lisa Gherardini, an Italian noblewoman. Shortly after its completion, it was acquired by King Francis I of France, becoming state property and permanently housed in the Louvre Museum from 1797.

Following its establishment in the Louvre, the painting was moved only a few times, briefly residing in Napoleon's bedroom and later during the Franco-Prussian War at the Brest Arsenal. Its most extended absence from the Louvre occurred during World War II, as it was relocated to several sites, including Château d’Amboise and Château de Chambord, before returning to its home.

In a notable incident, the Mona Lisa was stolen in 1911, vanishing from the Louvre only to resurface over two years later at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, where it was displayed for two weeks before being returned. After several theft attempts and acts of vandalism, it now resides behind bulletproof glass for its safety.

The painting is remarkable for several reasons. It closely resembles the Virgin Mary, a figure often idealized during this era, and seems to engage the viewer with her gaze. Leonardo achieved this effect by avoiding harsh outlines and employing soft color transitions, creating an ambiguous expression at the mouth and eyes. This technique explains why she appears to smile when viewed indirectly. Additionally, the Mona Lisa is among the first portraits to place its subject against an imaginary landscape rather than a real-world backdrop. Interestingly, while the painting seems to lack eyebrows or eyelashes, recent high-resolution scans indicate that these features were originally present but have faded over time.

Chapter 2: The Genius of Leonardo da Vinci

In the realm of Renaissance figures, Leonardo da Vinci stands out as a quintessential polymath, making significant strides across various fields, including invention, painting, sculpture, science, and mathematics. He has been dubbed the Father of paleontology and architecture, showcasing his remarkable breadth of knowledge.

Leonardo, born to a peasant woman and a notary without formal education, is often regarded as a Universal Genius, marked by his insatiable curiosity and creativity. While he is primarily celebrated for his art, he also conceptualized flying machines and solar power long before their actualization. Unfortunately, many of his groundbreaking inventions required technological advancements that were centuries away from realization.

His professional journey took him across Italy and parts of France, culminating in his death on May 2, 1519, at the age of 67. Legend has it that King Francis I held Leonardo's head in his arms as he passed, a testament to their close bond. Regardless of its authenticity, this story underscores Leonardo's generosity in his will, ensuring his pupils and servants received an inheritance, while also bequeathing land to his brothers.