The mystery of a potential second Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, known as the ‘Isleworth Mona Lisa’. Currently displayed at the Promotrice delle Belle Arti gallery in Turin, Italy, this alternative version adds a fascinating layer to the iconic portrait’s enigma.
Isleworth Mona Lisa (Left) and Mona Lisa
The mere mention of ‘Mona Lisa’ conjures images of an archetypal masterpiece from the Italian Renaissance, a half-length portrait painted by the iconic Leonardo da Vinci. Regarded as “the best known, the most visited, the most written about, the most sung about, the most parodied work of art in the world”, Mona Lisa has captivated audiences for centuries. However, a strange debate has emerged in the recent years, suggesting that da Vinci might have created two versions of this enigmatic portrait. This alternative version, named the ‘Isleworth Mona Lisa’, is currently on display at the Promotrice delle Belle Arti gallery in Turin, Italy, as part of an exhibition titled ‘The First Mona Lisa,’ running until May 26, 2024, which has once again kick-started the debate. The Mona Lisa Foundation, based in Switzerland, contends that the maestro crafted a slightly younger iteration of the renowned painting, featuring the captivating smile, a decade before the familiar version now housed in the Louvre.
Isleworth Mona Lisa
Critics are divided in their opinions, with some considering this portrayal as a glimpse into the subject’s younger years, while others dismiss it as an inferior copy, casting doubts on its authenticity. The ‘Isleworth Mona Lisa’ made its way to England in 1778 and was acquired by the Montacute family. The name originated in 1913 when art dealer Hugh Blaker, based in Isleworth, west London, purchased it.
A comparison of the two Mona Lisa paintings
Despite skepticism, The Mona Lisa Foundation points to historical evidence and quotes the 16th-century Italian artist and writer on art, Gian Paolo Lomazzo, identifying two versions of the painting: “In 1584, in his Treatise on Painting, the Florentine artist and chronicler Giovanni Paolo Lomazzo, a supposed acquaintance of Leonardo’s longtime secretary Melzi, wrote that ‘the two most beautiful and important portraits by Leonardo are the Mona Lisa and the Gioconda’.” Another piece of evidence is found in a statement by Fra Pietro da Novellara, the vicar-general of the Carmelites, in a 1501 letter to Isabella d’Este, Marchesa of Mantua. Detailing Leonardo’s activities from a visit to his studio, Fra Pietro states, “two of his pupils are painting portraits, and he touches them up from time to time.”
The Foundation’s mission is to establish Leonardo’s ‘Earlier Mona Lisa’ as a masterpiece in its own right, garnering recognition equal to the Louvre version. It delves into the painting’s 500-year-old history, mobilizing a team of art historians, scientists, forensic artists, and other experts to authenticate its origins and highlight Leonardo’s extraordinary skills.
Mona Lisa\
Traditionally believed to depict Lisa del Giocondo, an Italian noblewoman and wife of Francesco del Giocondo, the Mona Lisa was never given to the Giocondo family by Leonardo. Instead, it is believed to have been left in his will to his favored apprentice, Salaì. Painted between 1503 and 1506, its completion might have extended until 1517, opine some historians. Acquired by King Francis I of France, the painting has been on permanent display at the Louvre in Paris since 1797.
Leonardo’s sfumato technique, creating soft, shaded modeling, is evident in the Mona Lisa’s portrayal. The enigmatic smile, set against an imaginary landscape with aerial perspective, showcases da Vinci’s innovative approach to portraiture. The blurred outlines, harmonious figures, and contrasts of light and dark contribute to the overall sense of calm characteristic of da Vinci’s style.
Following a $6.3 million renovation in 2003, the Louvre dedicated a room to the painting. A glass ceiling allows natural light, a shatter-proof glass display case maintains controlled conditions, and a spotlight highlights da Vinci’s original colors. Protected by French heritage law, the Mona Lisa is priceless and cannot be bought or sold. As part of the Louvre collection, she belongs to the public, capturing hearts by popular agreement.
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