Question
What is so special about the mona lisa ?
i realise its a well executed work but i cant see why this would be singled out as the quintessential masterpiece, especially when comparing it to other paintings which were made during a similar time. What are its qualities, other than being a bit dull
Answer
Its a very important work. Leonardo da Vinci did not complete many paintings to this level of finish and it is also a superb example of the sfumato technique he invented. It also illustrates da Vincis moti mentali, or motions of the mind. A moments thought caught in a facial gesture. The landscape depicted in the painting is a place where Leonardo would have probably surveyed on during his work with Cesare Borgia and thus gives credence to Leonardos movements during his life time. This is part of its importance as a piece of art history.brbrAs for its fame, well that has a lot to do with the mystery that surrounds the painting. What you have to appreciate is that you as a viewer has the right to like or dislike a painting but its importance is of no relevance to the general public . Its value lies with what information it can provide for the art historian. I agree that there have been far more beautiful paintings created during the Renaissance and beyond and that many painters other than Leonardo contributed to art but and Im putting my art historians hat on now you can not compare a painting which is simply nice to look at to a painting which imparts so much valuable information and demands constant research.
