Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is one of the most famous paintings in the world. It hangs in the Louvre Museum in Paris, one of the city’s most visited attractions. But did you know that there is another Mona Lisa? This painting, often called the Isleworth Mona Lisa, was painted in 1503 and then rediscovered in England in 1913 by Hugh Blaker, an art connoisseur. He found it at the Somerset manor house of an aristocratic family. This article will explain the similarities and differences between both paintings.
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What is the Isleworth Mona Lisa?
The Isleworth Mona Lisa is a painting of Lisa Gherardini, the wife of Francesco del Giocondo. It got its name from Isleworth, London, where Hugh Blaker had taken it to his studio after rediscovering it. It is thought to be an inspiration for Leonardo da Vinci’s second Mona Lisa, which hangs in the Louvre Museum in Paris. A group of private collectors currently owns the Isleworth Mona Lisa.
Who Was Leonardo Da Vinci?
Most people know Leonardo da Vinci as a famous painter, but he was much more than that. He was a true Renaissance man – an artist, inventor, scientist, and mathematician. He is perhaps best known for his paintings, which include the Isleworth Mona Lisa, Louvre Mona Lisa, and The Last Supper. But da Vinci was also a skilled engineer and architect. He designed many famous buildings, including the Duomo di Milano and the Palazzo Vecchio. In addition, he was a talented musician and wrote several compositions.
Similarities
Da Vinci Painted Both
The first and most obvious similarity is that Leonardo da Vinci painted both paintings. Da Vinci was a world-renowned artist during the Renaissance period. He was known for his unique painting style and use of light and shadow. His Mona Lisa is one of his most famous works. The Isleworth Mona Lisa is a first version because it was painted in the same style as Da Vinci’s other works.
The Isleworth Mona Lisa Used As Inspiration
The Isleworth Mona Lisa was used as inspiration for the Louvre Mona Lisa. Many experts believe that da Vinci first painted the Isleworth Mona Lisa and then used it as a reference when he painted the Louvre Mona Lisa. This is because there are many similarities between the two paintings.
The Garment Fabric
One of the most striking similarities is the fabric of the garment. In both paintings, the material has a similar pattern and design. This suggests that Da Vinci used the Isleworth Mona Lisa as a reference when he painted the Louvre Mona Lisa.
The Hand Positioning and Hair Styles
Another similarity between the two paintings is the positioning of the hands. In both paintings, the subject’s hands are positioned similarly. Also, the subjects’ hair is styled similarly and has similar facial features.
The Smile
One of the most iconic aspects of the Mona Lisa is her smile. The smile has been a source of debate for centuries. Many people believe that the subject is smiling because she is happy. Others believe that she is smiling because she is hiding a secret. The Isleworth Mona Lisa and the Louvre Mona Lisa have similar smiles.
Differences
The Paintings Are A Decade Apart
The most significant difference between the Isleworth Mona Lisa and the Louvre Mona Lisa is the time period they were painted. The Isleworth Mona Lisa was painted around 1503, while the Louvre Mona Lisa was painted in 1513. This means the Louvre painting is a decade younger than the Isleworth painting.
The Background Is Different
Another difference between the two paintings is the background. The Isleworth Mona Lisa has a mountain range in the background, while the Louvre Mona Lisa has a river and a cityscape.
The Louvre Mona Lisa Seems Older
The Louvre Mona Lisa also seems to be of a different age than the Isleworth Mona Lisa. In the Louvre painting, the subject appears to be in her early 30s. In the Isleworth painting, the subject seems to be in her mid-20s. This could be because the Louvre Mona Lisa was painted a decade after the Isleworth Mona Lisa.
Size Of The Paintings
The Isleworth Mona Lisa is significantly larger than the Louvre Mona Lisa. The Isleworth painting is 77 centimeters by 53 centimeters, while the Louvre painting is 65 centimeters by 52 centimeters.
Final Thoughts
The Isleworth Mona Lisa and the Louvre Mona Lisa are two of the most famous paintings in the world. They were both painted by Leonardo da Vinci, one of the most renowned artists. The Isleworth Mona Lisa is a copy of the original painting, currently hanging in the Louvre museum in Paris. There are many similarities between the two paintings, such as the fabric of the garment and the positioning of the hands. However, there are also some differences, such as the time period they were painted and the background. Despite these differences, both paintings are true masterpieces.