Words by Larissa Brigatti
The Mona Lisa (1503–1506) or La Gioconda by Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci is the most famous Renaissance painting in the world as everyone knows. It was worth $650 million in 2018. Da Vinci portrayed a Florentine noblewoman, Lisa del Giocondo, a member of one of the richest Italian families, the Gherardini family of Florence. Florence was one of the biggest cities in Europe at the time and Lisa’s family was part of the aristocracy. The social representation of Florentine wives are subtly demonstrated by the physical traits of the Mona Lisa – her posture and the way her body is slightly turned to the viewer, creating a pyramid-like shape. This might have a multilayered significance: her right hand over the left, which signified that she was a respectful and faithful wife, though it also creates a sense of distanciation between herself and the rest of the world, the Florentine aristocracy and other people. The importance of the female figure contrasting with the background of Florence’s farms and skies is also noticeable, as it was painted with aerial perspectivism and oil painting techniques, such as sfumato. Additionally, Da Vinci followed the basic Renaissance principles of the seated female figure, such as Madonna, the Virgin Mary, which was one of the most popular womanhood representations at the time. Her dark clothing was also a fashionable Spanish-like demonstration of capital acquisition.
Yet, there is a contradiction in herself, the interpretation of the Mona Lisa is ‘mysterious’, as the world describes, not only because of her smile. Her posture, and gaze adds both serenity and power, a sense of wealth, but at the same time she looks quite reserved. Which is relevant when one notices that her head is covered with a very thin veil. The Mona Lisa was left unfinished by Da Vinci due to his paralyzed hand. The painting was a decoration in Napoleon’s bedroom for a while, it was also part of King Francis I of France’s collection, and after the French Revolution it was moved to Musee Louvre (but moved to other places during the World War). Consequently, in the mid-19th century, the French intelligentsia stated that the painting demonstrates a sense of female sensuality, la femme fatale. Because of its owners, with whom the Mona Lisa was associated, its 500 years old life and the path it has been throughout history, the painting became famous. There are now Cubist, Surrealist, avant-garde, Dadaist, and many other representations of the Mona Lisa.
Our contemporaries have added an enormous capital in this particular painting. There have been many songs, movies, other paintings, and other art-forms which were inspired by the Mona Lisa, such as the classic Mona Lisa Smile directed by Mike Newell, starring Julia Roberts, and the popular Pan!c at the Disco’s ‘The Ballad of Mona Lisa’. Consequently, the Mona Lisa has become an unsustainable artwork. It has passed beyond the concepts of fame and this can be vividly experienced when one goes to visit the painting in the Louvre. People have to cue for approximately 43 minutes, only to have the chance at a glimpse of her. The security guards around her aggressively shout at people who might have never been to France before, people who wanted to see the most famous piece of art in the world, and people who wanted to see the popular smile that has hypnotized the commercial side of art. This was by far the worst experience I have had (personally) in my life, having visited many, many galleries in different countries. One has either the chance to observe the portrait (in a time limit of 20 seconds) or to use their phone to take a photograph. Furthermore, the Mona Lisa is surrounded by huge, incredible paintings, yet the security shouts to keep moving on, not to take pictures or see the other paintings which shamefully undermines other Renaissance artists.
Finally, that subtle, mysterious distanciation between the aristocratic side of the Mona Lisa and other Italian citizens are still present, she has the full protection of a bullet-proof glass frame, plenty of security guards, ropes around her spot, and those who pay to see her are treated like cattle. Surely her smile has made plenty of art appreciators cry once they see the reality of this tourist attraction.
On the other hand, technology and art popularity are key elements that aid to global culture and education in today’s world. Many are only able to see and study art pieces through technological tools. Yet, after being to different galleries and museums, it is also important to remember that management could be a little bit different. For instance, there are many busy tourist attractions that people have to book slots to be able to go in. The experience of seeing the Mona Lisa would be much better if there were slots for groups for every ten minutes or so…
Words by Aksana Frayne
The Louvre in Paris is widely regarded by many people as a ‘must see’ whenever you find yourself in Paris. Forget about strolling down the banks of the Seine with your loved one, or exploring the many small and quaint alleyways and shops that are perused daily by the local Parisians – no, the best thing to do in Paris is to see an over-hyped gallery. Now, you cannot deny that the Louvre houses many indescribably beautiful works of art, simply take a look around pretty much any room in the gallery and see for yourself. Turn a corner and you will be surrounded by Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio and Raphael. However, less than a ten minute walk away is another art gallery of equal merit. Famous painters (Van Gogh or Renoir anyone?) adorn the walls of the Musee D’orsay, while the crowds are almost cut in half compared to the Louvre. During a visit one can stroll calmly through masterpiece after masterpiece while scarcely bumping into anyone, save for the odd tour group or cultured traveller.
Last summer I was ‘fortunate’ enough to visit the Louvre alongside a few good friends of mine. After snapping the obligatory photos with the glass pyramid outside, we made our way into the gallery along with the masses of crowds that pay their €17 ticket fee for one reason only – to see the Mona Lisa. Everyone seemed to walk like zombies as they grouped together and shuffled towards the famous painting, barely taking in any of the other art at all. I overheard one woman berate her son for stopping to take a photo of The Winged Victory of Samothrace. Sure Beyoncé may have filmed a section of her music video in front of it, but that paled in comparison to the Holy Grail herself – Mrs. Lisa. Inside the hall where she was located (she has since been moved), I joined hundreds of pushing fans as they shoved their way through the disorganised chaos. My mind began to race at the quality of humanity that displayed itself before me. I envisioned elderly people being pushed to the floor just so someone could get that perfect Instagram. Babies snatched from their wailing mothers’ arms as a security guard tries to control the masses of people. I swiftly left before waiting around to see if this vision would come true. In my panic to leave the confined space I only got about a quarter way through the room before swiftly exiting. However, I just about saw her if I stood on my tippy toes, and I managed to capture one photo from a distance. That was enough for me.
This article was written after Larissa and Aksana went to the Louvre. As they defined, the Louvre is only ‘the Mona Lisa trap’. The visitors expectations are cruelly destroyed in 20 seconds.
