How the Mona Lisa Became the World's Most Famous Painting
A Vox video explores the factors behind the Mona Lisa's global fame. Journalist Phil Edward highlights Walter Pater's Victorian-era description as the first to praise the painting evocatively. However, the key event was its 1912 theft by Vincenzo Peruggia, an Italian who wanted to return the Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece to Italy. During the two years the painting was missing, its fame skyrocketed, shrouding it in curiosity and mystery.
Key facts
- Vox.com produced a five-minute video on the Mona Lisa's fame.
- Walter Pater gave an enthusiastic description of the painting in the Victorian era.
- The Mona Lisa was stolen in 1911 by Vincenzo Peruggia.
- Peruggia wanted to return the painting to Italy.
- The painting was missing for two years.
- The theft greatly increased the painting's fame.
- The video was published by Artribune.
- Phil Edward is the journalist who explains the factors.
Entities
Artists
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Walter Pater
Institutions
- Vox.com
- Artribune