It is one of the most popular portraits in art history. But the subject of this portrait remains elusive. The Mystery of the Mona Lisa examines the evidence that has accumulated since da Vinci’s masterpiece debuted in 1503.
This mysterious look is more than a mystery provided by the portrait. Key questions revolve around the identity of the smiling woman. Was she an important figure in da Vinci’s life or just his imagination?
There are, of course, several theories, the most popular of which identifies the subject as Lisa Gioconda, wife of the successful silk merchant Francesco del Giocondo. The filmmakers tested this hypothesis by traveling the world, consulting experts and examining every piece of historical record they could find.
In Florence, they traced the earliest biographies of Leonardo da Vinci and uncovered the origin of the portrait’s title. Along the way, a team of historians reconstructed the life of the Gioconda family. Leonardo da Vinci was probably very eager to commission the creation at the time. Perhaps a sense of desperation and laziness led him to accept proposals from figures other than the nobility. Problems arose, however, when the researchers were unable to find the transaction anywhere in the country’s original tax records.
The artist suspects another source of inspiration for the famous painting in historical documents, but some scholars have questioned the accuracy of these claims.
Every discovery (or lack of discovery) raises a cascade of additional questions. Could he have painted this portrait before 1503? Or will it be close to completion over the course of many years? Scientific research is underway to investigate what can be done with x-rays and other powerful imaging options.
“The Mystery of the Mona Lisa” is a forensic journey into the identities of unknown characters, but that’s not the only portrait explored in the film. Equally fascinating is the story of da Vinci himself, the periods in which he was active, his working methods and the value of his artistic expression.
Directed by: Klaus T. Steindl
