MONA LISA

Judging by the throng of visitors she received daily, it will not do justice not to have a separate account to describe this famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci. The model is a young Florentine women, who in 1495 was married to Francesco del Giocondo. Thus the work is also known as La Gioconda. It was one of Leornardo favorite painting. It was mentioned that he carried it with him every where. Eventually it was sold to Francis 1. It was considered prototype of renaissance painting. It really became famous in 1911 when it was stolen from the Louvre. It was missing for almost two years and rediscovered in a hotel in Florence. Why it is considered a master piece, only the real artist can appreciate it. It is said the slight smile of Mona Lisa is the attraction. The painter used a special technique of continuous interaction between light and shade which made the painting looked difference with the time of the day. All signage at louvre lead to the painting, so it was not difficult to find it on the first floor. You will be greeted by large crowd, all inching their way to have a closer look at the painting. It is a small painting compared to those gigantic painting elsewhere in the building. Barrier was erected in front it as not to allow visitors to get too close to it. In addition the painting is housed behind a thick glass wall. As many as 6 security guards could be seen around the painting at any one time. The satisfaction of seeing the painting could not be described here but I think it is worth the 9 Euro entrance fees charged. Leonardo, despite being jack of all trade, engineer, inventor,philosopher, poet is famous for creating this master piece. He is truly somebody who live few hundred years ahead of his time.