Purported Earlier Version of da Vinci's 'Mona Lisa' Amazes Art Lovers
A painting known as the 'Isleworth Mona Lisa' has caused a stir in the art world with its resemblance to Leonardo da Vinci's famous masterpiece.
Discovery of the Isleworth Mona Lisa
A painting that emerged in the early 1900s has attracted attention with its recent public display in an Italian city. Many experts believe that the portrait could be an earlier version of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, depicting a younger Mona Lisa.
The painting, dubbed the 'Isleworth Mona Lisa,' was unveiled in Turin last month and bears a striking resemblance to Leonardo's renowned 16th-century masterpiece. It is believed to have been created in the early 16th century and was brought from Italy to England in the late 1700s.
After acquiring the painting from a home in Somerset, English artist Hugh Blaker displayed it publicly in 1913. The painting is now owned by private individuals who aim to share the alleged Leonardo work with the public. The Mona Lisa Foundation in Zurich is reportedly supporting this effort.
Controversy and Doubt
While the Mona Lisa Foundation claims that the 'Isleworth Mona Lisa' could be the original version of the famous painting, there are skeptics within the art community. Some question whether it is truly the work of Leonardo da Vinci.
Jonathan Jones, a writer for The Guardian, expresses his doubts, stating that the painting appears to be a 'lousy, lackadaisical image of a human face.' He argues that it lacks the personality and intricate details present in Leonardo's authentic portraits of women.
According to the Mona Lisa Foundation, the difference in facial shape is due to the painting portraying Mona Lisa in her earlier years. They claim that Leonardo produced two versions of the masterpiece, with the 'Isleworth Mona Lisa' being the first one, started in Florence in 1503.
Potential Value and Historical Significance
Although the 'Isleworth Mona Lisa' is not currently available for sale, it could potentially hold significant value if the anonymous owners decide to sell it. The record-breaking sale of Leonardo's 'Salvator Mundi' in 2017 for $450.3 million highlights the immense worth of his works.
Leonardo's well-known 'Mona Lisa,' displayed in the Louvre Museum, is estimated to be worth around $1 billion today. Considering this, the 'Isleworth Mona Lisa' could fetch a substantial price if authenticated as an earlier version by da Vinci.
Regardless of the controversy surrounding its origins, the 'Isleworth Mona Lisa' has captivated art enthusiasts with its uncanny resemblance to the iconic masterpiece, providing a fascinating topic of discussion among experts and the general public alike.
