There are very few works of art that have captured and confounded so many as Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous painting, Mona Lisa. Mona Lisa, an iconic painting marveled and widely recognized by many, has stirred many debates, intrigue, for several generations. The enigma, Mona Lisa, has been the center of many different   interpretations. For some, Mona Lisa’s famous smirk represents mischief. Others view it as a confident yet humble gaze. The various meanings of Mona Lisa’s smile and the overall evasive nature of the painting will continue to be the subject of artistic debates. That enigmatical appeal of this painting-its inability to be adequately described with a singular explanation is its fascinating quality. Leonardo Da Vinci was a brilliant painter who was able to translate his artistic prowess into a painting filled with illusions, subtleties, and dimensions that can easily be missed under the most observant eye. Through the use of shadow techniques, intricate placement, masterfully laid planes of symmetry, imperceptible transitions between color, Leonardo da Vinci is able to create a painting with harmonious balance, cohesion, yet varied enough to create a realm of different possibilities for all viewers.

Da Vinci’s use of a pyramid dimension around Mona Lisa, one in which her body forms a wide base that moves up narrowly until it converges at her eyes, focuses on the aspects of her which are deemed to be impressive or important. More emphasis is placed on her neckline (near chest) and face than other parts of her body. This highlights her most prized assets, and perhaps even signifies a superficial focus on beauty above everything else.

The painting is cast in strategic alignment in which Mona Lisa’s presence takes precedence over all things. There are mountains and other large geographical features in the backdrop, yet Mona Lisa’s commanding presence is what attracts the reader first.   She is sitting at the throne of the mountains and the sky. There are three different planes: the mountain, skies, and Mona Lisa, aligned centerfold to the viewer’s eyes. She is the most prominent of all the visual elements. In contrast to her dark outfit, there is heavier lighting applied to Mona Lisa’s face and hands. This emphasis of lighting on her gives importance to her beauty and aesthetic appeal. There is also a significant level of authority that is felt from viewing this portrait. Mona Lisa sits in an extremely upright posture, wearing a luxurious gown, while sitting in front of a wide picturesque landscape of mountains. This gives her more importance and confidence, seemingly in a way that is larger than the mountains and scenery surrounding her. From this, it can be inferred she is a woman of high stature and belongs to a noble class. Although the Mona Lisa is illustrated in a large-than-life way, the close proximity (Mona Lisa towards front), makes her relatable to the viewer. It is interesting and to note the chair Mona Lisa is sitting on his blurred (shadow technique). This seems odd at first sight, but may have been part of Da Vinci’s intent to blend Mona Lisa’s presence with the natural backdrop. 

 Mona Lisa’s feminine silky hair seems to endlessly flow down her elegant gown. She looks towards the viewer with an indiscernible gaze that can take on a variety of emotions: shy, confident, sarcastic, or perhaps nervous. There are a variety of interpretations of her mood. Although it is impossible to tell what she feels, there is a definite magnetizing quality about her produced by contours, the radiance of her skin through the yellow-ish hues, and softness of the image itself through varied intensities of shadow. This adds to the feminine charm and appeal of the subject. There are certain visual aspects that are very faint, whereas others are more apparent.       Da Vinci creates a depth perception that mutes certain elements while enhancing others.  Aspects of Mona Lisa’s face are faintly drawn whereas others are amplified with color and finer detail. In particular, Mona Lisa’s eyes and lips are the most visually striking components, drawn with extra definition. Da Vinci also employs this shadowing technique by adding ruffles to the cuffs of her gown. These distinct ruffles add elegance to her gown.  Another style employed by Da Vinci is the curvy flow of her hair and gown that seem to mimic the wavy nature of the landscape behind her. This emulation creates a harmonious balance between Mona Lisa and her background. This contributes to a calm and serene feeling felt by the viewer. It is plausible to think Mona Lisa may be perceived as an idealized image of beauty by the manner in which she is juxtaposed with nature. Apart from Da Vinci’s painting style, there are other subtleties that are helpful to note. Mona’s position of her hands, delicately placed over each other give the impression of a slightly reserved woman. Though she sits in a confident posture, with a dominating presence, she is still depicted as being slightly shy and reserved. This may be reflective of the time period when Mona Lisa was produced (14th century), an era in which women were glorified for their beauty but also for their submissive qualities. 

To fully understand Da Vinci’s intent, a historical understanding of this time period is essential. Also, it is important to understand the relationship between Mona Lisa and Da Vinci, in order for the viewer to have a refined understanding of this work.  Nevertheless, the Mona Lisa is a brilliant work of art that cannot be defined in short description. Through a layered and nuanced style of repetition, contrast, alignment, and shading Da Vinci created a timeless portrait that continues to awe viewers across the world. 