FILE: 07_Mona Lisa_Leonardo.jpg

TITLE: PAINTING - Mona Lisa - HIGH ITALIAN RENAISSANCE

DESCRIPTION: by LEONARDO da Vinci. Most recognized portrait of all time. Commissioned to paint portrait of banker's wife (La Giocanda). Painted in Florence. TECHNICAL INNOVATION: "SFUMATO"= smokey haze, a system of gradual shadows using layers of thin wash. Leonardo wouldn't give painting up when done. Always took it with him. Painting captured by Francis I & stayed in France thereafter.