Further Relfections on the Mona Lisa

In our readings in Practices of Looking:An Introduction to Visual Culture, by Marita Sturken and Lisa Cartwright, the smile on the face of Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” is mentioned a number of times. On page 27 of the textbook, the authors discuss the fact that the Mona Lisa is famous in part for her smile, which the authors say is seen to be “enigmatic, as if hiding some kind of secret.” On page 198, of the textbook, her smile is described as “…historically viewed as demurely feminine and coy.”

Recently, scientists have come up with another explanation for the glint in the Mona Lisa’s eye which contributes to her smile. Vito Franco, Professor of Pathological Anatomy at the University of Palermo, who studies the subjects shown in paintings for hints of disease, revealed his findings at a European Conference on Human Pathology in Florence. In his presentation, Dr.Franco indicates that the glint in Mona Lisa’s eye is the result of high cholesterol deposits. Professor Franco says Da Vinci’s painting of Lisa Gheradini, better known as “The Mona Lisa,” shows clear evidence around the left eye socket of a yellowish collection of fatty acids underneath the skin, suggesting high levels of cholesterol; these fatty deposits are called xanthelasmas. In addition, there is evidence on her hands of subcutaneous lipomas, which are benign tumors composed of fatty tissue, supporting the theory that the Mona Lisa was not watching her cholesterol.

It is unlikely that this revelation would have had any effect on the hundred million dollar valuation of the picture even if Dr. Franco’s research been known at the time the painting was appraised. However, as one of the reporters who presented this finding suggested, it does provide another explanation for Mona Lisa’s smile- that it might have been the after effect of eating a large plate of pasta, with lots of meat sauce, prior to sitting for the portrait.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/10/weekinreview/10grist.html