Mona Lisa
Leonardo da Vinci · c. 1503–1519
Oil on poplar wood panel
Quick answer
Mona Lisa (c. 1503–1519) by Leonardo da Vinci is in The Louvre, Paris. The Mona Lisa is a painting by Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci, created between approximately 1503 and 1519. It depicts a half-length portrait of a woman believed to be Lisa Gherardini, wife of Florentine merchant Francesco del Giocondo. The painting is housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, where it is displayed in Room 711 of the Denon Wing. It is widely regarded as the most famous painting in the world, valued at over $870 million. World Museum Guide explains what you're looking at and how to see it.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Mona Lisa so famous?
The Mona Lisa became globally famous largely due to its theft from the Louvre in 1911. The two-year investigation, international news coverage, and eventual recovery transformed it from one great Renaissance painting into the world's most recognisable artwork. Its technical mastery — including Leonardo's revolutionary sfumato technique and the enigmatic smile — and its subsequent reproduction in millions of prints and parodies cemented its status.
Where is the Mona Lisa located?
The Mona Lisa is permanently displayed at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. It hangs in the Salle des États (Room 711) on the first floor of the Denon Wing. Follow the signs marked "Mona Lisa" from any of the main entrances. It is displayed behind bulletproof glass opposite Paolo Veronese's enormous Wedding at Cana.
How much is the Mona Lisa worth?
The Mona Lisa is valued for insurance purposes at over $870 million, making it the highest-valued painting in the world. In practice it is considered priceless — it is the property of the French Republic and is not available for sale.
Was the Mona Lisa ever stolen?
Yes. The Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre on 21 August 1911 by Italian handyman Vincenzo Peruggia, who had previously worked at the museum. It remained missing for two years. In December 1913, Peruggia tried to sell it to a Florentine antiques dealer who alerted the authorities. It was returned to the Louvre in January 1914.
Why does the Mona Lisa have no eyebrows?
There are two main theories. First, shaved or very thin eyebrows were fashionable among wealthy Florentine women in the early 16th century. Second, the eyebrows have faded over 500 years — a 2007 high-definition scan revealed faint traces suggesting eyebrows were once painted but have worn away from centuries of cleaning.
Who is the woman in the Mona Lisa?
The sitter is most widely identified as Lisa Gherardini (1479–1542), wife of Florentine silk merchant Francesco del Giocondo, who commissioned the portrait. This identification is supported by a note written in 1503 by Agostino Vespucci in the margin of a book now in Heidelberg University. The identification is accepted by the Louvre and most art historians.