Why is the Mona Lisa so expensive? let’s find out. Paintings are, usually, loved by art lovers, art curators, artists, and intellectual people. But there is one such painting that everybody wants to have a glimpse of. It is none other than the Mona Lisa which has been residing in the Louvre museum for more than 250 years.
It is the most sought-after painting of all time. But what is so marvellous about this painting is that it is so expensive. Though no one can buy it, its insurance is so exorbitantly priced that even Bill Gates would think twice before buying it. This article indulges in finding out why the Mona Lisa is so expensive. And is that reason justified? To know more, go through the article and learn for yourself.
What is Mona Lisa?
Every person who is living in this world has, at least once in their lifetime, heard of Mona Lisa. It is one of the most famous, most sought-after, most searched, and most valuable paintings of all time. Painted by Leonardo da Vinci for years from 1505 to 1517, Mona Lisa has gained itself a position in the Guinness book of world records, for having the world’s highest known painting insurance at $100 million in 1962. When adjusted for inflation, it is $860 million. Though the painting was not as famous as it is today in the years that it was painted, the enigmatic smile and puzzles hidden beneath the poplar panel of the painting have made thousands of people visit the Louvre museum from all around the world.
What is the mystery behind Mona Lisa?
And there is not just one but many mysteries that are associated with this magnificent half portrait.
- The first and foremost mystery is who is Mona Lisa? The woman whose portrait da Vinci painted, it’s unknown. Nowadays, it is speculated that the portrait is of Lisa Gherardini del Giocondo. However, there was also a theory that suggested that da Vinci made a self-portrait, but gave himself a woman’s face.
- The second biggest mystery is Mona Lisa’s smile. Researchers and scientists have spent years but have not been able to solve the mystery behind her enigmatic smile. The smile varies while looking from a distance. From a certain point, it looks like a broad smile, while in some areas, the smile diminishes, and fades away. The technique of painting is responsible for the changing look of the smile.
- The inconsistency in the backdrop behind Mona Lisa is yet another mystery that is driving Harvard researchers crazy. The left backdrop seems to be lower than the right backdrop. And it looks as if it is hard to imagine a continuous landscape behind. This consistency makes Mona Lisa look taller when concentrated on the right side and timid when looking on the left side.
- The missing eyebrows and eyeshadows are another mystery that no one has been able to solve. People believe that the original painting contained the eyebrows and eyelashes of Mona Lisa, but with repeated restoration and cleaning, the eyelashes and eyebrows faded.
- There are many intricate details, hidden messages, and numbers that are yet to get deciphered. While the Louvre officials claim that it is simply the cracks in the painting that seem to form numbers, it is not yet definite if there is some secret message hidden. However, it might be possible that the piece of art got remade several times as it was a common practice during that time.
As there is no evidence of proof or any witness, these mysteries remain unsolved. But it is due to these puzzles, and the theft of the Mona Lisa in the early 20th century that has made it so famous and intriguing at the same time.
Why is Mona Lisa Expensive?
The biggest reason for being expensive is the popularity that the Mona Lisa gained after its theft in 1911. It was due to this robbery, that Mona Lisa came into the limelight of the common man and got recognized as a true masterpiece of art. Then, the painting techniques used by Leonardo da Vinci makes Mona Lisa stand out from other paintings of the renaissance period. You cannot buy the painting, as it is the property of the Louvre museum. It has been defined as the pride of France and the status that it has achieved has made it a high value.
Is it the most expensive painting ever?
If the question was, is the Mona Lisa the most famous painting ever, it would have won. But even though its insurance is very high, it is not the most expensive painting ever sold. Many artworks got sold at higher prices at options. Some of them are:-
- Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci – This painting got sold for $475 million to the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman. It now resides at the National Gallery in London.
- Pendant Portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit by Rembrandt van Rijn – This painting got sold for $195 million to a private seller, but now it resides in the Dutch and French museums on a rotation.
- The Scream by Edvard Munch – This painting got sold for $135.2 million, and, since, is at the British Museum.
There are many other paintings and artworks which have got sold at auctions that are much more expensive than the Mona Lisa. But in terms of insurance, no artwork can beat the Mona Lisa.
Conclusion
This article has answered all your questions that may arise in your mind regarding this magnificent artwork. Mona Lisa is loved by all, but it holds certain secrets that are hidden beneath her gazing eyes. The mystery behind Mona Lisa has made it necessary for everyone who comes to Paris to come and pay a visit to the painting. It is, perhaps, because of this popularity that the Mona Lisa is so expensive. And once you see it, you will realize that it is worth every penny.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.How to book tickets to the Louvre Museum?
You can book tickets to the Louvre Museum, by going to the official website of the museum. Please note that the Louvre, along with all the other museums, is closed on Tuesdays. The ticket for adults is $21, and no ticket for kids.
2. What are some of the other famous paintings painted by Leonardo da Vinci?
Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most celebrated painters of all time. Apart from Mona Lisa, The Last Supper is another tremendously famous painting by da Vinci depicting the last supper of Jesus Christ and his twelve disciples. John the Baptist is yet another very successful piece of art painted by da Vinci.
3. Are there any copies of Mona Lisa?
Because Leonardo da Vinci was equally celebrated during the renaissance period, many apprentices used to observe his painting styles and techniques. Some students have made copies of the Mona Lisa, which can get found in the museums of Spain and Italy.
