The face of the Mona Lisa epitomizes art. She is the woman with the myseterious smile. A smile that perhaps hides a secret? We do not know. People recognize her on postcards, t-shirts, handbags and prints. We may be familiar with the painting itself, but who is the real Lisa? And who is this olive-skinned beauty with the knowing smile?
Lisa Gherardini was born on June 15, 1479 in Florence, Italy. She was the oldest of 7 children, with one sister and five brothers. Her father had an old family name and made his money producing olive oil and wine on his many farms. Her mother was his third wife- the first two perished in childbirth.
Lisa married a widower named Francesco del Giocondo on March 5, 1495 and became Lisa del Giocondo. Her dowry was modest, which suggests that they married for love. It is speculated that they purcharsed a home the same year that Leonardo da Vinci painted Lisa, in 1503.
Lisa had 6 children in during her lifetime. She outlived her husband who was said to have passed away in 1538 from the plague. In his will, Francesco provided for her future and returned to her the price of her dowry. He recorded his love and affection for his wife, stating that she had always been faithful and should have "all she needs."
In the painting itself, the position of Lisa's hands indicates faithfulness and the richness of her clothes may have been exaggerated for potential buyers.
We may not know much about the woman who has become our icon. She was a mother, wife, sister and daughter. She loved, she lived and was immortalised by human creativity. I believe that she portrays the ultimate woman, embodying all the strong roles that a woman takes on in life. Showing that even the ordinary can be extraordinary.
She remains an enigma. The brilliant strokes of Da Vinci's paintbrush have ensured that she continues to evoke wonder, admiration, and inspiration in all who lay eyes upon her.
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