For the past 500 years, Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa has captivated its viewers, recently attracting millions to the Louvre to see the work.

For the past 500 years, Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa has captivated its viewers, recently attracting millions to the Louvre to see the work. Books, movies, songs, poetry, and visual art have been created in response to the Mona Lisa. Why? What does the Mona Lisa have that no other portrait has? Why do visitors of the Louvre hastily pass by numerous masterpieces just to see one rather small painting (it's only 30" x 21")? Discuss what makes Mona special. Compare this portrait of Leonardo's to other portraits he created, such as Ginevra de'Benci and Lady with an Ermine.What does the Mona Lisa have that makes her so iconic that she stands out above the rest?