Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code has sparked debate about Leonardo da Vinci, attributing secret messages and codes hidden in his works. The Mona Lisa is at the center of these theories, but how much truth is there in them? In this article, we analyze the most fascinating hypotheses and compare them with historical facts.
1. Is the Mona Lisa a self-portrait of Leonardo?
One of the most popular theories is that La Gioconda is actually a self-portrait of Leonardo himself, painted with feminine features. Scholars have compared the facial features with the master's alleged self-portraits, finding some similarities. However, there is no definitive evidence to support this hypothesis.
2. The secret signature in the eyes of the Mona Lisa
In 2010, some experts claimed to have found microscopic letters hidden in the eyes of the Mona Lisa . According to this theory, the letters "L" and "S" could indicate "Leonardo" and "Salai", a student and assistant of the master. However, many scholars believe that these "letters" are simply cracks in the paint.
3. Is the Mona Lisa Mary Magdalene?
Dan Brown suggests in his novel that the Mona Lisa may represent Mary Magdalene and that Leonardo left clues about her alleged relationship with Jesus Christ. However, there is no historical document that directly links the Mona Lisa to Magdalene.
4. Does the composition of the Mona Lisa hide a code?
Some experts have suggested that the position of the Mona Lisa and the landscape in the background follow mathematical rules and divine proportions. Leonardo was known for his interest in the golden section and harmonious proportions, so this theory may have some basis, although it does not prove the presence of a secret code.
5. What is the true identity of the Mona Lisa?
The most accepted explanation by historians is that the painting represents Lisa Gherardini, wife of a Florentine merchant. Giorgio Vasari, Leonardo's biographer, supports this hypothesis, which remains the most plausible compared to the most imaginative theories.
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