Mona Lisa (Leonardo da Vinci)

The Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci in the early 1500s, is one of the most famous portrait paintings in the world. It depicts a woman with a subtle, enigmatic smile, set against a detailed, atmospheric landscape. Leonardo’s mastery of techniques like sfumato—blurring transitions between colors—creates a realistic, lifelike appearance. The painting is renowned for its mysterious expression and innovative composition, inviting viewers to interpret her mood and personality. It exemplifies the Renaissance focus on humanism, detail, and realism, and remains an iconic symbol of artistic achievement and curiosity.