Lisa del Giocondo

Lisa del Giocondo

Lisa del Giocondo was born on June 15th, 1479

Full Name: Lisa Gherardini
Place of Birth: Florence, Italy
Husband: Francesco del Giocondo
Model For: Mona Lisa
Birth Year: 1479
Death Year: 1542
Children: Pierro, Camilla, and Andrea
Family: Gherardini family

The enigmatic subject of Leonardo da Vinci's iconic portrait, known for her mysterious smile and intricate details, symbolizing the Renaissance art era.

Written by: Thomas Blackwood Thomas Blackwood

Lisa del Giocondo: The Enigmatic Noblewoman Behind the Mona Lisa

Lisa del Giocondo, a 15th-century Italian noblewoman, is immortalized in history as the subject of Leonardo da Vinci's iconic masterpiece, the Mona Lisa. This captivating portrait, commissioned by her husband, has become the most famous painting in the world, shrouding Lisa's own life in mystery.

Early Life and Family

Born on June 15, 1479, in Florence, Italy, Lisa was the eldest of seven children to Antonmaria di Noldo Gherardini and Lucrezia del Caccia. Her family, though aristocratic, had lost influence over time, living a comfortable but not wealthy life on a farm income.

Marriage and Family

In her teens, Lisa married Francesco del Giocondo, a successful cloth and silk merchant who later became a local official. Together, they had six children, leading a seemingly ordinary life in Florence.

The Mona Lisa Portrait

Around 1503, Lisa sat for Leonardo da Vinci, who painted the Mona Lisa portrait commissioned by her husband. This masterpiece, with its subtle, enigmatic smile, has been the subject of intrigue and speculation for centuries.

Legacy and Recognition

In 2005, Lisa was confirmed as the subject of the Mona Lisa portrait, solidifying her place in art history. Her story, though largely unknown, has captivated art enthusiasts and historians alike, inspiring numerous works of fiction and non-fiction.

Personal Life and Milestones

Influence on Modern Society

The Mona Lisa's enduring popularity has inspired countless adaptations, parodies, and references in popular culture, from film and literature to music and advertising. Lisa del Giocondo's enigmatic smile has become an cultural icon, symbolizing the essence of Renaissance art and mystery.

Historical Context and Legacy

Lisa del Giocondo's life, though largely unknown, provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of 15th-century Italian nobility. Her portrait, commissioned by her husband, has transcended time and artistic boundaries, becoming an integral part of our shared cultural heritage.

In conclusion, Lisa del Giocondo's life, though shrouded in mystery, is inextricably linked to the Mona Lisa, one of the world's most famous paintings. Her enigmatic smile continues to captivate art lovers, inspiring new generations to uncover the secrets behind the masterpiece.

Timeline
1479
Born in Florence, Italy
Lisa del Giocondo was born in 1479 in Florence, Italy. She would later become the subject of Leonardo da Vincis famous painting, the Mona Lisa.
1495
Married Francesco del Giocondo
Lisa married Francesco del Giocondo, a wealthy merchant in Florence, and had five children with him.
1503
Sat for Leonardo da Vincis Painting
Lisa sat for Leonardo da Vincis famous portrait, the Mona Lisa, which would become one of the most iconic paintings in the world.
1512
Widowed and Dedicated to Charity
After her husbands death, Lisa dedicated her life to charity and helping the poor in Florence.
1542
Died in Florence
Lisa del Giocondo died in 1542 in Florence, Italy, leaving behind a legacy as the enigmatic subject of the Mona Lisa.
Lisa del Giocondo

Lisa del Giocondo Quiz

Lisa del Giocondo was the wife of which wealthy merchant?

Score: 0/5
FAQ
Who was Lisa del Giocondo?
Lisa del Giocondo was an Italian noblewoman who is believed to be the subject of Leonardo da Vincis famous painting, the Mona Lisa.
What is known about Lisa del Giocondos life?
Little is known about Lisa del Giocondos life beyond her marriage to Francesco del Giocondo and her social status in Florence. She lived from 1479 to 1542.
How did Lisa del Giocondo meet Leonardo da Vinci?
It is believed that Lisa del Giocondo met Leonardo da Vinci through her husband, who commissioned the painting of the Mona Lisa.
What is the significance of the Mona Lisa?
The Mona Lisa is widely considered the most famous painting in the world, and Lisa del Giocondos enigmatic smile has become an iconic symbol of art and culture.
What is known about Lisa del Giocondos family?
Lisa del Giocondo was a member of the Gherardini family and married into the del Giocondo family. She had five children with her husband, Francesco.

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