Decode the Mona Lisa Manic
- 2天前
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I am not what you see. I am a reference, a phenomenon, a language, a symbol.
Why is the Mona Lisa the most famous work of art in the world? For the first time, this story is told in the first person in Hong Kong. “La Joconde” (in French) herself guides you through her own journey. From Florence to Paris, from museums to your phone, let yourself be absorbed by the poetry of the landscapes that bring the space to the life of “La Gioconda” (in Italian).
PORTRAYING THE RENAISSANCE
Flourished in the early 15th-century Florence, the principles of the Renaissance spread rapidly throughout Europe. While portraiture is a timeless subject in art tradition, Renaissance artists gradually sought to break away from the coexisted formulas, opposing profile views to frontal or three-quarter views, placing portraiture midway between tradition and innovation.
Man, placed once again at the centre of the world, according to the famous formulation of the Florentine philosopher Pico della Mirandola, acquired a new dignity, symbolically expressed by the exponential development of portraiture. In this case, beyond commemorative purposes and political claims, portraits can stir emotions and address important issues of our time.
THE ORIGIN OF THE MYTH
Born in 1452, Leonardo da Vinci trained in Florence, the great capital of the arts. He moved to Milan at the age of 30 where he painted “The Last Supper”. This mural painting reflects his compositional mastery supported by mathematical perspective, and his profound interest in human psychology, visible in the varied facial expressions, gestures and postures of the Apostles.
In 1500, Leonardo da Vinci returned to Florence where he met Lisa Gherardini, the wife of a merchant. Starting as early as 1503, he began the portrait of Mona Lisa (i.e. Lady Lisa Gherardini), but remained unfinished upon his death in France in 1519. King Francis I bought it for a considerable sum and placed it for the Palace of Fontainebleau. Thus it belongs to France.
A PORTRAIT DEFYING CONVENTION
The portrait of Mona Lisa may have been commissioned by Francesco del Giocondo, celebrating her beauty, virtue and status as the wife of a wealthy silk merchant. Leonardo da Vinci put more ambition into his portrait, aspiring to bring Mona Lisa to life and create the illusion of feeling her physical presence and approaching her thoughts.
His famous “sfumato” effect (暈塗法), fading the contours and fusing the shadow and light, gave Mona Lisa an impression of life. The shapeless brown area above the parapet on the right makes it an unfinished part. It is painted on a fragile wooden panel and sensitive to temperature and humidity. This explains why it is conserved in an air-conditioned and secure showcase.
TRANSCENDING LIFE ITSELF
Due to Italian nationalism and a desire for financial profit, former museum employee Vincenzo Peruggia stole Mona Lisa from the Louvre in 1911. Until 1913, Peruggia contacted Alfredo Geri in Florence for trade. This art dealer suspected the portrait was real and alerted the authorities, leading to Peruggia’s immediate arrest and the safe recovery of this artwork.
The disappearance of Mona Lisa for more than two years fascinated the press around the world, marking the beginning of her mania. Great writers were enchanted by her mysterious smile. Artists, too, marvelled at her and tried to equal or even surpass Leonardo. In the 20th century, the artists ended up mocking or attacking the masterpiece that was becoming ever more famous.
Title: Meet Mona Lisa & Portraying the Renaissance (邂逅蒙娜麗莎・文藝復興的再現)
Date: 1 May 2026 to 27 July 2026
Location: Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Hong Kong
Organiser: French May Arts Festival, Leisure and Cultural Services Department
Source: Nat King Cole
Fun Facts of the “second” Mona Lisa: The early 16th-century painting “Isleworth Mona Lisa” depicted the same woman yet younger. Some experts claim that it was painted by Leonardo da Vinci, while others consider it a copy. Displayed in Madrid, Spain, the “Prado Mona Lisa” was an authentic replica painted alongside Leonardo da Vinci by one of his pupils.
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