Prado's Mona Lisa copy reveals Leonardo's workshop methods
The Museo del Prado in Madrid has launched a new exhibition titled "Leonardo and the Copy of the Mona Lisa: New Approaches to the Methods of the Vinci Workshop." This showcase examines a version of the Mona Lisa believed to have been created in Leonardo da Vinci’s Milan studio between 1503 and 1506, paralleling the original housed in the Louvre. Previously assumed to be from the 18th or 19th century, it underwent restoration from 2011 to 2012, revealing an intricate Lombard landscape beneath a black layer. The exhibition highlights the significance of copies in artistic learning and features works from notable artists like Andrea del Sarto.
Key facts
- Exhibition at Museo del Prado, Madrid, until January 23, 2022
- Prado's Mona Lisa copy painted in Leonardo's Milan workshop early 1500s
- Restoration 2011-2012 revealed Lombard landscape under black overpaint
- Same materials and pentimenti as Louvre original
- Copy authorized and supervised by Leonardo, painted simultaneously
- No hand of Leonardo in the Prado version
- Painting brought to Spain in 16th century by Pompeo Leoni
- Exhibition includes works by Andrea del Sarto, Boltraffio, and anonymous artists
Entities
Artists
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Ana González Mozo
- Miguel Falomir
- Andrea del Sarto
- Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio
- Pompeo Leoni
- Francesco Melzi
- Federica Lonati
Institutions
- Museo del Prado
- Louvre
- Museo Lazaro Galdiano
- Galleria Borghese
- Artribune
Locations
- Madrid
- Spain
- Milan
- Italy
- Lombardy
- Rome
- France
- Varese