Did Leonardo da Vinci Use Lisa del Giocondo for the Mona Lisa?

The identity of the subject in Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa has long been a source of fascination and debate. The general consensus, based on historical records and recent discoveries, confirms that the woman in the portrait is indeed Lisa del Giocondo, the wife of Francesco di Bartolomeo di Zanobi del Giocondo. This article delves into the history and the various theories surrounding the painting.

Historical Context and Evidence

Until 2005, the subject of the Mona Lisa remained a mystery, with many speculations and unfounded rumors contributing to the intrigue. In 2005, however, an expert at the University Library of Heidelburg discovered a margin note written by Agostino Vespucci. The note stated that Leonardo was working on a painting of Lisa del Giocondo, providing concrete evidence to resolve the long-standing debate.

The Gioconda and Leonardo’s Philosophy

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the Mona Lisa and its subject is the possibility that Leonardo chose Lisa del Giocondo as the muse not just as a commissioned portrait, but as a representation of his own spiritual journey. Riccardo Magnani, a researcher on Leonardo's work, proposed that the Mona Lisa is not a portrait of Lisa del Giocondo but a representation of Leonardo himself. Magnani bases this hypothesis on the heavy-handed depiction of physical features that could be attributed to Leonardo's own ailments.

Physical Ailments and the Painting

Magnani identifies two specific physical conditions that Leonardo and the painting share: a xanthelasma in the eyes and an arthrogenous ganglion on the right hand. These conditions likely caused the paralysis of Leonardo's right hand, leading to the unusual and detailed manner in which the painting was executed. By attributing these features to Lisa del Giocondo, Magnani suggests that Leonardo's self-portrait was a complex and personal exploration of his own being, rendered with a depth of detail that is unparalleled in Renaissance art.

Analysis of the Artistic Techniques

Giorgio Vasari, a well-known Renaissance historian, provided a vivid description of the Mona Lisa he admired in the original. He described the painting as having glints in the eyes and water lines that reflect a natural, living quality. However, the Mona Lisa on display at the Louvre lacks these features, leading to speculation about the true identity of the subject.

The Notion of the "Lady of Lornbardia"

A more recent hypothesis by Riccardo Magnani suggests that the subject of the Mona Lisa might be "the Lady of Lornbardia" of natural beauty, a term used by De Beatis, who saw Leonardo in France before his death. This "Lady of Lornbardia" is believed to be the origin of the name "The Honda," which later became "The Gioconda" by Cassiano dal Pozzo in 1625.

Conclusion

The true identity of the subject in Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa remains a subject of mystery and debate. However, the most compelling evidence points to Lisa del Giocondo as the subject, and recent hypotheses suggest that the painting might be a self-portrait of Leonardo himself, reflecting his Neoplatonic and androgynous philosophy. The Mona Lisa continues to captivate viewers with its enigmatic smile and the myriad of meanings it holds.