Lesson 2
Mona Who?
The whole world knows her smile, but who really was Mona Lisa?
Art historians are almost certain of the model’s identity. In 1503, Leonardo da Vinci accepted a commission from a wealthy merchant who wanted a portrait of his wife, Lisa del Giocondo, which is why the painting is known as La Gioconda in Italian. Her other nickname, "Mona Lisa", is short for "Madame Lisa" in Italian.
Leonardo da Vinci, Mona Lisa or La Gioconda,
1503-1519, oil on wood, 30 x 21 in., Louvre Museum, Paris, France
Unfortunately, for the merchant, he was never given the portrait, as Leonardo took it with him to France in 1516!
Lisa del Giocondo was the model for the Mona Lisa.