The Mona Lisa is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable and enigmatic paintings in the world. Painted by the renowned artist Leonardo da Vinci, this masterpiece has captivated viewers for centuries with its enigmatic smile and mysterious subject. While the painting’s identity has been widely accepted as Lisa Gherardini, the wife of Florentine merchant Francesco del Giocondo, there have been numerous theories and controversies surrounding the true identity of the woman in the painting.

Theory 1: The Double Portrait Theory

One of the most debated theories surrounding the Mona Lisa’s identity is that she is actually a double portrait, representing two different women. Proponents of this theory point out that both the left and right sides of the painting show subtle differences in facial features, leading to the belief that it is a combination of two different women.

Furthermore, some art historians have suggested that the left side of the painting resembles Leonardo da Vinci’s assistant Salai, while the right side resembles a woman named Bianca Giovanna Sforza, who was married to a man who commissioned a portrait of her from Leonardo. However, this theory remains unproven, and many scholars argue that the slight differences in the painting’s sides can be attributed to the artist’s typical style.

Theory 2: The Christ Theory

An alternate theory proposes that the Mona Lisa is not a portrait of a woman, but rather a representation of Jesus Christ, with the enigmatic smile being a symbol of his divinity. This theory is based on the belief that Leonardo, who was known to have studied and painted Christian themes, may have concealed a hidden message in the painting.

However, many art historians dismiss this theory, arguing that the painting’s subject is clearly a female figure and that the enigmatic smile is simply a result of the artist’s mastery of techniques such as sfumato.

Controversy 1: The “Mona Lisa” was a Man

In recent years, a controversial theory has surfaced, suggesting that the Mona Lisa may have been a male figure. This theory is based on a study of the painting’s facial features, which some experts claim resemble male features more closely than female ones.

The argument gained traction when art historian Maike Vogt-Luerssen published a book proposing that the painting was originally a portrait of Leonardo da Vinci himself. However, many art historians and experts have refuted this theory, stating that the painting is clearly a female figure.

Controversy 2: The Real “Mona Lisa” has been Lost

One of the most enduring controversies surrounding the Mona Lisa is the belief that the painting we see today is not the original. The theory suggests that the original portrait was lost, and what is now admired as the Mona Lisa is a copy.

This belief was fueled by a discovery in 2012 when a hidden image was found beneath the surface of the painting using infrared technology. Some believe that this hidden image could be the original portrait, and that the painting we know as the Mona Lisa is actually a copy of the lost original. However, this theory is highly contested, and there is no concrete evidence to support it.

In conclusion

Despite the numerous theories and controversies surrounding the Mona Lisa’s identity, one thing is for certain: The painting remains one of the most iconic symbols of art in the world. Whether she was a real person or a figment of the artist’s imagination, the enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa will continue to intrigue and fascinate viewers for centuries to come.

For more information on art and its mysteries, check out our website Why is Explained. You can also read about other famous paintings like the Persistence of Memory or The Scream.