Mona Lisa

The Stylish Glow of the Painting

Is achieved by a combination of sfumato and chiaroscuro which helps achieve the illusionary realism and mysterious expression that the painting of famous for.

Aerial Perspective

Is created by the winding path in the background, leading the eye to the back. The fading image and the lighting of colour. The distance and scale.

Creator

Leonardo Da Vinci

Artist

Leonardo Da Vinci was a leading figure in the High Renaissance, known as the "universal man" He was accomplished in many different fields.

Materials

Oil on poplar wood (77 × 53 cm)

Artwork

Subject was the wife of Franscesco de Giacondo, a wealthy merchant. The portrait uses the pyramidal composition to draw attention to her face. The direct gaze, however, is untraditional.

World

The High Renaissance (15th - 16th Century) was a time of high intellectual activity and discovery. There was a return to classical appreciation of beauty and the ideal form. Artists achieved realism in their paintings.

Fashion

The Mona Lisa's lack of eyebrows and high hairline is part of the fashion in the renaissance. Her eyelashes have faded in time though.

Oil Paints

The use of oil paints instead of tempura paints allows the smooth transitions of tone and colour.

Audience

The wealthy society of 15th/16th century Italy and France. The courts of wealthy families as well as the original patron.

Time of Origin

1503-1506 (The Renaissance)

Chiaroscuro

A technique of using high contrast to define three-dimensional objects. Causes high contrast in colour, tone and light.

Sfumato

A technique using fine shading to create imperceptable distinctions between colour and tone. Creates illusions of high realism and atmospheric presence.