1. Describe the Mona Lisa. 2. Describe three elements or principles of art found in the Mona Lisa. How are each used?
3. Why do you think this piece is considered one of the greatest works of art?

1.) Overview of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, with a discussion of the sitter's identity. The painting presents a woman in half-body portrait, which has as a backdrop a distant landscape. Yet this simple description of a seemingly standard composition gives little sense of Leonardo's achievement.
2.) The Mona Lisa has many principals of art found within it. One is contrast. As you look at the painting, colors in the background are much lighter in tone than the foreground. The foreground uses darker colors, giving a more serious feel to the subject matter. Another principle found in the Mona Lisa is proportion. When viewing the painting, the Mona Lisa is much larger that the landscape items behind her. This proportion draws the eye to the body of Mona Lisa, as she is the main subject of the painting. Lastly, we find the principle of unity throughout the painting. All of the colors blend together with little contrast, giving a monochromatic feel to the painting, with little to distract the viewer's eye.
3.) Through her captivating gaze and mysterious smile, the Mona Lisa has been enchanting the public since it was first painted in the early 16th century. Renowned for both its curious iconography and its unique history, the Mona Lisa has become one of the most well-known paintings in art history.