But, Paris is also home to one of the world's famous art galleries The Louvre. The original structure of the building has been around since the late 12th century and the museum has been situated there since 1793.
I can't remember much about The Louvre as I was only seven at the time. But what I do remember is viewing Leonardo Da Vinci's most famous paintings The Last Supper (1495-1498) and Mona Lisa (c.1503-1506).
The Mona Lisa is one of the world's most famous paintings. The woman in the painting has captivated many a person for centuries and there have been many speculations as to who it may have been and at one point there were speculations that the "Mona Lisa" may even be a man. However, according to numerable sources the painting is thought to be of Lisa Gherardini, the wife of a Florentine merchant Francesco del Giocondo. Da Vinci painted Mona Lisa between 1503 and 1506. The oil painting was originally bought by King Francois I in 1518 and is now in its permanent home The Louvre.
As the painting is so famous there have been certain measures used to protect her. Mona Lisa sits behind bulletproof glass so she won't be damaged should there be any attacks carried out. Unlike most art galleries and museums, photos are permitted to be taken of the Mona Lisa. Perhaps it's because she is protected behind the glass, but the permanent flashing of excited tourists takes away the time spent viewing how beautiful and magnificent this painting truly is.
Another part that fascinates me about the Mona Lisa are her eyes and her hands. No matter which way you go, her eyes are fixated and follow you, which gives a sense that she is always watching. Her hands are the most prominent feature of the painting, as they are delicate and Da Vinci purposely put the right hand resting over the left hand as he "chose this gesture to depict Lisa as a virtuous woman and a faithful wife"*
Of course, no one can ever forget that enigmatic smile.
Of course, no one can ever forget that enigmatic smile.
If you ever go to Paris, visit the Louvre. Although you may not get through all the exhibits in one day, make sure that you do visit the Mona Lisa and marvel at her beauty. Be sure to visit in the morning or before peak times, as the painting will be flooded with tourists from all over the world taking a portrait of a well known portrait.
*Referenced from www.wikipedia.org/monalisa
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