Mona Lisa

Mona Lisa (also known as La Gioconda or La Joconde, or Portrait of Lisa Gherardini, wife of Francesco del Giocondo) is a portrait by the Florentine artist Leonardo da Vinci. It is a painting in oil on a poplar panel, completed circa 1503-1519. It is on permanent display at the Musée du Louvre in Paris. The painting is a half-length portrait and depicts a seated woman (probably Lisa del Giocondo) whose facial expression is frequently described as enigmatic. The ambiguity of the subject's expression, the monumentality of the composition, and the subtle modeling of forms and atmospheric illusionism were novel qualities that have contributed to the continuing fascination and study of the work. The image is so widely recognised, caricatured, and sought out by visitors to the Louvre that it is considered the most famous painting in the world.

A copy of this portrait has been placed in the Grand Staircase at Hogwarts Castle near the Hospital wing.

Appearances

 * Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)