1 Smile Mystery

One of the most well-known features of the Mona Lisa is her enigmatic smile. People have debated for centuries about the nature of her smile—whether she is smiling or not.

2 Leonardo da Vinci's Techniques

Leonardo da Vinci used a technique called sfumato, which involves blending colors and tones seamlessly. This technique gives the painting a soft, hazy appearance and contributes to the mysterious atmosphere.

3 Mona Lisa's Eye

The eyes of the Mona Lisa appear to follow you as you move around the room. This effect, known as the "Mona Lisa effect," is a result of the way da Vinci painted the eyes with a technique that gives them a lifelike quality.

4 Small Size

Despite its fame, the Mona Lisa is relatively small, measuring only 30 inches by 20 7/8 inches (77 cm by 53 cm).

5 Theft

The Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre in 1911. It was missing for two years before being recovered in Italy. The theft significantly increased the painting's fame.

6 Visitor Magnet

The Mona Lisa attracts millions of visitors to the Louvre Museum in Paris each year. It is displayed behind bulletproof glass to protect it from potential vandalism.

7 Napoleon's Ownership

Napoleon Bonaparte had the Mona Lisa hanging in his bedroom in the Tuileries Palace. It was later moved to the Louvre after his fall from power.

8 Hidden Numbers and Letters

High-resolution scans have revealed tiny numbers and letters in the eyes of the Mona Lisa. Some art historians believe these could be da Vinci's way of embedding his own code into the painting.

9 Title Controversy

The painting is also known as "La Gioconda" in Italian, named after Lisa Gherardini, the woman believed to be the subject. However, the name "Mona Lisa" is a nickname that likely originated from a misspelling of "Monna Lisa," meaning "Lady Lisa."

10 Chemical Analysis

In 2004, researchers used non-invasive techniques to analyze the painting, revealing that da Vinci had used a number of thin glazes to achieve the subtle transitions in color. The study provided new insights into his artistic process.