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I, Mona Lisa
Listen to my history. My adventures are worth hearing. I have lived many lifetimes and been loved by emperors, kings and thieves. I have survived kidnap and assault. Revolution and two world wars. But this is also a love story. And the story of what we will do for those we love.
In Leonardo da Vinci's studio, bursting with genius imagination, towering commissions and needling patrons, as well as discontented muses, friends and rivals, sits the painting of the Mona Lisa. For five hundred tumultuous years, amid a whirlwind of power, money, intrigue, the portrait of Lisa del Giocondo is sought after and stolen. Over the centuries, few could hear her voice, but now she is ready to tell her own story, in her own words - a tale of rivalry, murder and heartbreak. Weaving through the years, she takes us from the dazzling world of Florentine studios to the French courts at Fontainebleau and Versailles, and into the Twentieth Century.
I, Mona Lisa is a deliciously vivid, compulsive and illuminating story about the lost and forgotten women throughout history.
In Leonardo da Vinci's studio, bursting with genius imagination, towering commissions and needling patrons, as well as discontented muses, friends and rivals, sits the painting of the Mona Lisa. For five hundred tumultuous years, amid a whirlwind of power, money, intrigue, the portrait of Lisa del Giocondo is sought after and stolen. Over the centuries, few could hear her voice, but now she is ready to tell her own story, in her own words - a tale of rivalry, murder and heartbreak. Weaving through the years, she takes us from the dazzling world of Florentine studios to the French courts at Fontainebleau and Versailles, and into the Twentieth Century.
I, Mona Lisa is a deliciously vivid, compulsive and illuminating story about the lost and forgotten women throughout history.
365 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2022
268 people are currently reading
2553 people want to read
About the author
Natasha Solomons
12 books885 followersNatasha Solomons is a writer and the New York Times bestselling author of The Gallery of Vanished Husbands, The House at Tyneford, and Mr. Rosenblum Dreams in English. She lives in Dorset England, with her husband, the writer David Solomons, and their two young children. Song of Hartgrove Hall is her fourth novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
June 4, 2024
Gostei tanto, mas tanto deste livro, que quando cheguei ao final quase voltei ao início para ler tudo outra vez.
Esta paixoneta literária não aconteceu sem razão, Eu, Monalisa, aborda e centra a narrativa em temas e ambientes que me são particularmente caros.
Natasha Solomons era-me desconhecida, mas agora ficou debaixo do meu radar. A voz que deu a Monalisa marcou a sua personalidade e cativou-me de imediato, o que me tinha levantado dúvidas na sinopse caiu por terra; Monalisa falava àqueles que tinham sensibilidade para a escutar, era capaz de amar e odiar, e com o seu criador tinha uma relação intensa e de mútua veneração. A autora manteve a narrativa sólida até ao final, descrevendo-nos toda a história da pintura desde as primeiras pinceladas, numa travessia através dos séculos, sendo alvo de disputas, roubos e fugas vertiginosas até repousar no Louvre, onde ainda se encontra.
”Vivi em exílio por séculos; não era exílio de Itália, mas de outra época. (…) Os visitantes contemplavam-me fascinados e deslumbrados. Era tão estrangeira para eles quanto as relíquias romanas no corredor. Era um vestígio, um deslize da História, caindo pelos séculos como uma fenda no tempo, mas eu não era uma viajante no tempo, já que nunca poderia voltar. A viagem era só de ida. Durei mais do que a minha idade. Não disse a Herr Freud o quanto o exílio é solitário nem como é difícil suportá-lo.”
Mais de uma vez deparei-me com acontecimentos que me pareceram tão mirabolantes que os fui pesquisar, e, surpresa das surpresas, aconteceram mesmo. Algo que a autora viria também confirmar no final do livro.
”Esta história é quase toda verdadeira. Embora algumas datas tenham sido alteradas aqui e ali, e alguns eventos, fundidos uns nos outros para propósitos narrativos, a história inteira é baseada em factos.”
Eu, Monalisa é uma história muito bonita, escrita com muita sensibilidade e numa linguagem muito poética. A vontade de ler a biografia de Leonardo da Vinci saiu reforçada, e uma visita à dama florentina ainda mais.
”Há muito tempo, Leonardo deu-me voz, mas agora eu falo por ele, através dos tempos. Por minha causa, o nome dele viverá para sempre; juntos, nós nos fizemos imortais. Ainda assim, não estou sozinha na minha imortalidade. Sinto-o comigo. Até que chegue minha hora, esperarei. Venha me ver. Olhe para mim, mas lembre-se: eu estarei observando.”
Esta paixoneta literária não aconteceu sem razão, Eu, Monalisa, aborda e centra a narrativa em temas e ambientes que me são particularmente caros.
Natasha Solomons era-me desconhecida, mas agora ficou debaixo do meu radar. A voz que deu a Monalisa marcou a sua personalidade e cativou-me de imediato, o que me tinha levantado dúvidas na sinopse caiu por terra; Monalisa falava àqueles que tinham sensibilidade para a escutar, era capaz de amar e odiar, e com o seu criador tinha uma relação intensa e de mútua veneração. A autora manteve a narrativa sólida até ao final, descrevendo-nos toda a história da pintura desde as primeiras pinceladas, numa travessia através dos séculos, sendo alvo de disputas, roubos e fugas vertiginosas até repousar no Louvre, onde ainda se encontra.
”Vivi em exílio por séculos; não era exílio de Itália, mas de outra época. (…) Os visitantes contemplavam-me fascinados e deslumbrados. Era tão estrangeira para eles quanto as relíquias romanas no corredor. Era um vestígio, um deslize da História, caindo pelos séculos como uma fenda no tempo, mas eu não era uma viajante no tempo, já que nunca poderia voltar. A viagem era só de ida. Durei mais do que a minha idade. Não disse a Herr Freud o quanto o exílio é solitário nem como é difícil suportá-lo.”
Mais de uma vez deparei-me com acontecimentos que me pareceram tão mirabolantes que os fui pesquisar, e, surpresa das surpresas, aconteceram mesmo. Algo que a autora viria também confirmar no final do livro.
”Esta história é quase toda verdadeira. Embora algumas datas tenham sido alteradas aqui e ali, e alguns eventos, fundidos uns nos outros para propósitos narrativos, a história inteira é baseada em factos.”
Eu, Monalisa é uma história muito bonita, escrita com muita sensibilidade e numa linguagem muito poética. A vontade de ler a biografia de Leonardo da Vinci saiu reforçada, e uma visita à dama florentina ainda mais.
”Há muito tempo, Leonardo deu-me voz, mas agora eu falo por ele, através dos tempos. Por minha causa, o nome dele viverá para sempre; juntos, nós nos fizemos imortais. Ainda assim, não estou sozinha na minha imortalidade. Sinto-o comigo. Até que chegue minha hora, esperarei. Venha me ver. Olhe para mim, mas lembre-se: eu estarei observando.”
January 29, 2023
To personify a painting and make the story gripping for 400 pages is a feat Natasha Solomon has achieved. I can see this wouldn't be a book for everyone with its slow pacing and how it goes back and forth in time, but wow, what a fantastic and unique read! To observe history through the eyes of the Mona Lisa was a view point I didn't know I needed, and not one I expected to feel emotionally attached to.
Great and unique reading experience.
Great and unique reading experience.
October 2, 2023
Čia bus trumpa pastraipa apie tai, kaip ši knyga mane apgavo. Nors viršelis visiškai nepatraukė mano akies, bet kažkokia nuojauta pakuždėjo pasidomėti kas čia per kūrinys. Paskaičiau anotaciją ir pamaniau - duosiu šansą. Tiesą sakant, daug nesitikėjau, bet čia buvo metų apgavystė - knyga nuostabi.
Apie Leonardo da Vinči negirdėję tikriausiai tik tie, kurie gyvena po kokiu itin dideliu akmeniu. Ir aš prabėgom kažką žinojau - italas, dailininkas, Mona liza, išradimai ir tiek. Tiesa tokia, kad čia toks mažas trupinėlis viso to, kas buvo šis didis žmogus, kad baisu. Knygos autorė Natasha Solomons sugalvojo puikią idėją - per paveikslą atskleisti da Vinčio portretą, istorinį kontekstą ir dar daugybę idomių detalių. Kaip sufleruoja pavadinimas - pasakotojas čia - paveiklas. Jis pasakoja savo atsiradimo istoriją - buvo tokia Liza, kurios paveikslą užpraše nutapyti jos vyras. Paprastutis portretas pavergė dailininko širdį taip, kad jo pardavimas tapo neįmanomu. Dailininkui šis paveikslas tapo itin svarbiu. Taip ir judame penkis šimtus metų iki mūsų dienų sekdami šios įspūdingo paveikslo kelią.
Komplimentai autorei. Tekstas ne tik poetiška, itin pagaulus, bet padarė dar vieną dalyką - paskatino mane sužiūrėti ne vieną ir ne du dokumentinius filmus apie genijų da Vinči. Keliais įdomiais faktais pasidalinsiu. Kodėl autorė sugalvojo būtent per ši paveikslą pasakoti da Vinči istoriją? Atsakymas paprastas - šis darbas išties buvo jam svarbus. Palikdamas savo gimtają Italiją, dailininkas kėlėsi į Prancūziją ir būtent Mona Liza buvo vienintelis paveikslas, kurį jis pasiėmė. Kelios idomios detalės apie paveikslą - jame naudojamos dvi Leonardo atrastos naujos piešimo technikos. Kokios jos nepasakosiu, bet esmė tokia, kad paveikle dažai itin plonu sluoksniu dengiami po labai daug kartų siekiant išgauti kuo natūralesni perėjimą, kuo subtilesnius ir tikroviškesnius šešėlius ir tokį tarsi padūmavusį efektą. Vien Monos Lizos veidas dengtas trisdešimt penkiais dažų sluoksniais. Kitas paveikslos išskirtinumas - žvilgnis. Iš kokio taško bežiūrėtum, visuomet atrodo ka Mona Liza žiūri tiesiai į tave. Na, o jos šypsena... Ta šypsena, kuri iki šiol veda visą pasaulį iš proto. Jei sufokusuosi žvilgsnį, į Monos Lizos akis - atrodys, kad ji tau šypsosi, jei žiūrėsi tik į lūpas, tada ta šypsena išnyksta. O kur dar žaidimai su horizontu už jos, kurie sudaro judėjimo įspūdį... Apibendrinu, ką sužinojau - Mona Liza yra ne šiaip portretas, o da Vinči žinių ir atradimų visuma, gerokai pralenkusi laiką.
Kitas įdomus momentas - da Vinči daugialypiškumas. Kas gi ji buvo? Renesanso menininkas, žymiausio pasaulyje portreto autorius, žmogus, itin karštai domėjęsis anatomija ir nupiešęs ne vieną itin detalų piešinį šia tema, taip pat architektas, astronomas, išradėjas, botanikas, žemėlapių sudarinėtojas, inžinierius, geologas, matematikas, muzikantas ir dar kas jis nebuvo, o visa tai atsikleidžia jo darbuose. Bendrai - tai buvo be galo smalsus žmogus, kuris kas savaitę susidarydavo sąrašą dalykų ką dar jis nori išmokti, suprasti ir padaryti.
Įspūdingas autorės užmojis - papasakoti penkių šimtų metų Monos Lizos istoriją - pavyko. Knyga puiki ne tik dėl to, kad įdomiai parašyta, bet ir orginialiu savo sumanymu. Kiek daug konteksto, kiek daug darbo čia įdėta. Aptinkame tokių neįtikėtinų detalių, kad esame priversti pasiromėti, nes kyla natūrali abejonė - ar gali taip būti. Pavyzdžiui, ar žinojote, kad žymusis Pablo Picaso buvo apkaltintas šio paveikslo vagyste? Mane sužavėjo ši knyga. Manau, kad kiekvienas bent kiek besidomintis menu ir istorija turėtų ją perskaityti.
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Apie Leonardo da Vinči negirdėję tikriausiai tik tie, kurie gyvena po kokiu itin dideliu akmeniu. Ir aš prabėgom kažką žinojau - italas, dailininkas, Mona liza, išradimai ir tiek. Tiesa tokia, kad čia toks mažas trupinėlis viso to, kas buvo šis didis žmogus, kad baisu. Knygos autorė Natasha Solomons sugalvojo puikią idėją - per paveikslą atskleisti da Vinčio portretą, istorinį kontekstą ir dar daugybę idomių detalių. Kaip sufleruoja pavadinimas - pasakotojas čia - paveiklas. Jis pasakoja savo atsiradimo istoriją - buvo tokia Liza, kurios paveikslą užpraše nutapyti jos vyras. Paprastutis portretas pavergė dailininko širdį taip, kad jo pardavimas tapo neįmanomu. Dailininkui šis paveikslas tapo itin svarbiu. Taip ir judame penkis šimtus metų iki mūsų dienų sekdami šios įspūdingo paveikslo kelią.
Komplimentai autorei. Tekstas ne tik poetiška, itin pagaulus, bet padarė dar vieną dalyką - paskatino mane sužiūrėti ne vieną ir ne du dokumentinius filmus apie genijų da Vinči. Keliais įdomiais faktais pasidalinsiu. Kodėl autorė sugalvojo būtent per ši paveikslą pasakoti da Vinči istoriją? Atsakymas paprastas - šis darbas išties buvo jam svarbus. Palikdamas savo gimtają Italiją, dailininkas kėlėsi į Prancūziją ir būtent Mona Liza buvo vienintelis paveikslas, kurį jis pasiėmė. Kelios idomios detalės apie paveikslą - jame naudojamos dvi Leonardo atrastos naujos piešimo technikos. Kokios jos nepasakosiu, bet esmė tokia, kad paveikle dažai itin plonu sluoksniu dengiami po labai daug kartų siekiant išgauti kuo natūralesni perėjimą, kuo subtilesnius ir tikroviškesnius šešėlius ir tokį tarsi padūmavusį efektą. Vien Monos Lizos veidas dengtas trisdešimt penkiais dažų sluoksniais. Kitas paveikslos išskirtinumas - žvilgnis. Iš kokio taško bežiūrėtum, visuomet atrodo ka Mona Liza žiūri tiesiai į tave. Na, o jos šypsena... Ta šypsena, kuri iki šiol veda visą pasaulį iš proto. Jei sufokusuosi žvilgsnį, į Monos Lizos akis - atrodys, kad ji tau šypsosi, jei žiūrėsi tik į lūpas, tada ta šypsena išnyksta. O kur dar žaidimai su horizontu už jos, kurie sudaro judėjimo įspūdį... Apibendrinu, ką sužinojau - Mona Liza yra ne šiaip portretas, o da Vinči žinių ir atradimų visuma, gerokai pralenkusi laiką.
Kitas įdomus momentas - da Vinči daugialypiškumas. Kas gi ji buvo? Renesanso menininkas, žymiausio pasaulyje portreto autorius, žmogus, itin karštai domėjęsis anatomija ir nupiešęs ne vieną itin detalų piešinį šia tema, taip pat architektas, astronomas, išradėjas, botanikas, žemėlapių sudarinėtojas, inžinierius, geologas, matematikas, muzikantas ir dar kas jis nebuvo, o visa tai atsikleidžia jo darbuose. Bendrai - tai buvo be galo smalsus žmogus, kuris kas savaitę susidarydavo sąrašą dalykų ką dar jis nori išmokti, suprasti ir padaryti.
Įspūdingas autorės užmojis - papasakoti penkių šimtų metų Monos Lizos istoriją - pavyko. Knyga puiki ne tik dėl to, kad įdomiai parašyta, bet ir orginialiu savo sumanymu. Kiek daug konteksto, kiek daug darbo čia įdėta. Aptinkame tokių neįtikėtinų detalių, kad esame priversti pasiromėti, nes kyla natūrali abejonė - ar gali taip būti. Pavyzdžiui, ar žinojote, kad žymusis Pablo Picaso buvo apkaltintas šio paveikslo vagyste? Mane sužavėjo ši knyga. Manau, kad kiekvienas bent kiek besidomintis menu ir istorija turėtų ją perskaityti.
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January 14, 2022
Many of us will, on a trip to Paris, have stood in the Louvre in front of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. We may also know some of the details of the painting’s history – its creation in Renaissance Italy, its theft from the Louvre in 1911. However, this new novel by Natasha Solomons adds a whole new dimension to the Mona Lisa story, taking us inside the mind of the painting itself and showing us the world through the eyes that look out from the portrait. Whether or not you enjoy this book will probably depend on whether you can accept that a painting is narrating the story. If you’re happy with that idea, then I think you’ll find I, Mona Lisa an interesting and entertaining read.
Most of the novel is set in 16th century Florence, during the period when Leonardo is working on his most famous masterpiece. From the painting’s own perspective, we get to know some real historical figures such as Lisa del Giocondo, the noblewoman who sits for the portrait; Michelangelo and Raphael, da Vinci’s rivals; Niccolò Machiavelli, who approaches da Vinci with a scheme to divert the Arno River; and Salaì, a student in Leonardo’s workshop who is jealous of his master’s relationship with Mona Lisa. Although Mona is an inanimate object, she is portrayed in the novel as having the thoughts and feelings of a real woman, with an emotional attachment to her creator Leonardo.
When Leonardo eventually dies, leaving her vulnerable and unprotected, Mona embarks on the journey that will lead her to France. As the centuries go by, she spends time at the court of the Sun King in Fontainebleau and then at Versailles during the French Revolution, before finding her way to the Louvre where, as the 20th century dawns, she forms a new friendship with another great artist.
I, Mona Lisa is an unusual novel and a unique way of exploring some key moments in history. However, because so much time is spent in Renaissance Italy, the parts of the novel set in France feel more rushed and the characters less well developed. This was maybe the author’s intention, as Mona finds it difficult to bond with the people she meets after Leonardo’s death and makes it clear that her heart will always be in Florence, but it also meant that I felt less engaged with these sections of the book.
I do think that if you’re going to write a book about a painting with human emotions, the Mona Lisa is a perfect choice as it’s such a realistic and iconic portrait. The Mona of the novel is obviously very limited in what she can see and experience (and with whom she can communicate – just Leonardo and a handful of other painters and paintings), but Natasha Solomons does a great job of bringing Mona and her world to life. This is the third of her books I’ve read – the others are The Novel in the Viola and House of Gold. Three very different books, but I would recommend any or all of them.
Most of the novel is set in 16th century Florence, during the period when Leonardo is working on his most famous masterpiece. From the painting’s own perspective, we get to know some real historical figures such as Lisa del Giocondo, the noblewoman who sits for the portrait; Michelangelo and Raphael, da Vinci’s rivals; Niccolò Machiavelli, who approaches da Vinci with a scheme to divert the Arno River; and Salaì, a student in Leonardo’s workshop who is jealous of his master’s relationship with Mona Lisa. Although Mona is an inanimate object, she is portrayed in the novel as having the thoughts and feelings of a real woman, with an emotional attachment to her creator Leonardo.
When Leonardo eventually dies, leaving her vulnerable and unprotected, Mona embarks on the journey that will lead her to France. As the centuries go by, she spends time at the court of the Sun King in Fontainebleau and then at Versailles during the French Revolution, before finding her way to the Louvre where, as the 20th century dawns, she forms a new friendship with another great artist.
I, Mona Lisa is an unusual novel and a unique way of exploring some key moments in history. However, because so much time is spent in Renaissance Italy, the parts of the novel set in France feel more rushed and the characters less well developed. This was maybe the author’s intention, as Mona finds it difficult to bond with the people she meets after Leonardo’s death and makes it clear that her heart will always be in Florence, but it also meant that I felt less engaged with these sections of the book.
I do think that if you’re going to write a book about a painting with human emotions, the Mona Lisa is a perfect choice as it’s such a realistic and iconic portrait. The Mona of the novel is obviously very limited in what she can see and experience (and with whom she can communicate – just Leonardo and a handful of other painters and paintings), but Natasha Solomons does a great job of bringing Mona and her world to life. This is the third of her books I’ve read – the others are The Novel in the Viola and House of Gold. Three very different books, but I would recommend any or all of them.
October 21, 2024
You've seen my smile, now hear my voice
- Mona Lisa
Mona Lisa or La Giaconda, which was originally titled, is the work of 14 years of Leonardo from Vinci, Italy; yet it was never finished!
Until this day, it is not definite who the actual identity of the painting is after. It is said that it is a self-portrait of Leonardo himself, other believe it is of his lover 🤢 - in the novel Salai, his assistant and lover 🤮 and at some point stealer of the painting after Leonardo's passing. However, it is widely acclaimed that the painting is for Lisa Gherardini del Giocondo, the wife of a wealthy man from Florentine who posed for the canvas.
Throughout the novel, Lisa has been peaking on Leonardo's work in progress and posed the question that the painting does not look like her. Leonardo answers that the painting acquires its own character and has a soul of its own and would not have to be an exact replica of Lisa.
As the most famous painting in the world, Natasha took us on a walk-in history through the eyes of the Mona Lisa. A 400-page novel of a painting would probably be dull, however, Solomons managed to make this a rather enjoyable history book that brings a painting to life!
Why is the Mona Lisa so famous?
It is interesting that many paintings, statues and other work of art deem to look more appealing, have more aesthetic beauty, and are more complicated, yet, The Mona Lisa's fame remains the most important of all. In this video, we examine the most intriguing Mona Lisa questions and answers revealed with Great Art Explained. Who was she drawn after? Are her eyes really following us? Is she smiling or smirking? Why is there more than one version of the painting? What is with the landscape behind her and why is it not aligned?
Also, in this short TED-Ed, Why is the Mona Lisa so famous by Noah Charney, we run through the history of the painting and how "WE" turn a canvas to becoming a celebrity! Also, watch this unlisted video on Why the Monalisa became famous. And how Vincenzo Peruggia, the thief in 1911, has vastly contributed towards the worldwide fame of the La Giaconda! There are views that he was mesmerized by the painting, others believe he wanted it to return to it origin, Italy. However, it is worth remarking that it's small size made it an easy fetch compared to other works at the Louvre!
Am I not a fan of Leonardo and the Mona Lisa?
Not entirely true! These realities does not deny the fact that Leonardo, a polymath, was a genius in his work. His studies in anatomy, optics, engineering and much more has been remarkable. One of which is his study in the works of Hassan Ibn El Haitham on optics to build upon his work. Walk with me through a short biography of Leonardo from Vinci:
- Leonardo da Vinci: Renaissance Artist & Inventor | Mini Bio | BIO
- The Genius of Leonardo da Vinci
It has been news to me that Leonardo and Michelangelo have stumbled upon by king of France to work together on the The Battle of Anghiari, however, the project never made it to the light or it might have been covered or painted above. Mysteries still revolve around the verity of the two murals by the two Renaissance artists who couldn't stand one another -still eager to know why the Ninja turtles take after their names 😅. A good read further on this incomplete collaboration piece can be found on Discovering Da Vinci blog. Also listen to Walter Isaacson, the writer, historian, and author of Leonardo da Vinci, talk about the rivalry of Da Vinci vs. Michelangelo
Natasha takes us further in-between years back and forth, overcoming the potential boredom of history books, where we find the exchange between the Mona Lisa and Picasso, the way she did with the Maestro!
As an avid reader of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, I couldn't resist picking a book about the Mona Lisa. It has been astounding to learn the history of the painting through the imaginary eyes of the La Giaconda.
Do I believe in the magic of the painting?
I trust that Leonardo was a polymath and implemented his studies in optics, anatomy, somatic artistry and others to bring about his masterpiece; however, I still think, and I would be judged for that, it is yet an overestimated painting. It is also interesting how people have been praising art, in general, over the course of history in search of beauty and divinity. I would agree with the school of philosophers and historians who interpret art to be the inevitable result of the man's search for meaning, the need for having a belief and religion to abide by, and eventually for a God.
P.S. And for the arab readers, please enjoy this little funny snippet that I couldn't resist sharing! 😅
Nadin Doughem
October, 2024
- Mona Lisa
Mona Lisa or La Giaconda, which was originally titled, is the work of 14 years of Leonardo from Vinci, Italy; yet it was never finished!
Until this day, it is not definite who the actual identity of the painting is after. It is said that it is a self-portrait of Leonardo himself, other believe it is of his lover 🤢 - in the novel Salai, his assistant and lover 🤮 and at some point stealer of the painting after Leonardo's passing. However, it is widely acclaimed that the painting is for Lisa Gherardini del Giocondo, the wife of a wealthy man from Florentine who posed for the canvas.
Throughout the novel, Lisa has been peaking on Leonardo's work in progress and posed the question that the painting does not look like her. Leonardo answers that the painting acquires its own character and has a soul of its own and would not have to be an exact replica of Lisa.
As the most famous painting in the world, Natasha took us on a walk-in history through the eyes of the Mona Lisa. A 400-page novel of a painting would probably be dull, however, Solomons managed to make this a rather enjoyable history book that brings a painting to life!
Why is the Mona Lisa so famous?
It is interesting that many paintings, statues and other work of art deem to look more appealing, have more aesthetic beauty, and are more complicated, yet, The Mona Lisa's fame remains the most important of all. In this video, we examine the most intriguing Mona Lisa questions and answers revealed with Great Art Explained. Who was she drawn after? Are her eyes really following us? Is she smiling or smirking? Why is there more than one version of the painting? What is with the landscape behind her and why is it not aligned?
Also, in this short TED-Ed, Why is the Mona Lisa so famous by Noah Charney, we run through the history of the painting and how "WE" turn a canvas to becoming a celebrity! Also, watch this unlisted video on Why the Monalisa became famous. And how Vincenzo Peruggia, the thief in 1911, has vastly contributed towards the worldwide fame of the La Giaconda! There are views that he was mesmerized by the painting, others believe he wanted it to return to it origin, Italy. However, it is worth remarking that it's small size made it an easy fetch compared to other works at the Louvre!
Am I not a fan of Leonardo and the Mona Lisa?
Not entirely true! These realities does not deny the fact that Leonardo, a polymath, was a genius in his work. His studies in anatomy, optics, engineering and much more has been remarkable. One of which is his study in the works of Hassan Ibn El Haitham on optics to build upon his work. Walk with me through a short biography of Leonardo from Vinci:
- Leonardo da Vinci: Renaissance Artist & Inventor | Mini Bio | BIO
- The Genius of Leonardo da Vinci
It has been news to me that Leonardo and Michelangelo have stumbled upon by king of France to work together on the The Battle of Anghiari, however, the project never made it to the light or it might have been covered or painted above. Mysteries still revolve around the verity of the two murals by the two Renaissance artists who couldn't stand one another -still eager to know why the Ninja turtles take after their names 😅. A good read further on this incomplete collaboration piece can be found on Discovering Da Vinci blog. Also listen to Walter Isaacson, the writer, historian, and author of Leonardo da Vinci, talk about the rivalry of Da Vinci vs. Michelangelo
Natasha takes us further in-between years back and forth, overcoming the potential boredom of history books, where we find the exchange between the Mona Lisa and Picasso, the way she did with the Maestro!
As an avid reader of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, I couldn't resist picking a book about the Mona Lisa. It has been astounding to learn the history of the painting through the imaginary eyes of the La Giaconda.
Do I believe in the magic of the painting?
I trust that Leonardo was a polymath and implemented his studies in optics, anatomy, somatic artistry and others to bring about his masterpiece; however, I still think, and I would be judged for that, it is yet an overestimated painting. It is also interesting how people have been praising art, in general, over the course of history in search of beauty and divinity. I would agree with the school of philosophers and historians who interpret art to be the inevitable result of the man's search for meaning, the need for having a belief and religion to abide by, and eventually for a God.
P.S. And for the arab readers, please enjoy this little funny snippet that I couldn't resist sharing! 😅
Nadin Doughem
October, 2024
November 12, 2021
ooh I enjoyed this one!
Find out who was the woman behind THAT enigmatic painting of the Mona Lisa?
Go to France and Florence to discover her story?
You will never look at the painting in the same way again.
Brilliant!
Discover the locations in I Mona Lisa here
December 3, 2021
Listen to my history. My adventures are worth hearing. I have lived many lifetimes and been loved by emperors, kings and thieves. I have survived kidnap and assault. Revolution and two world wars. But this is also a love story. And the story of what we will do for those we love.
I think most people are familiar with the Mona Lisa these days, but I doubt the same amount are familiar with the story behind her, the story that is all about this beautiful painting from da Vinci. In this wonderful book the Mona Lisa comes alive after being painted by Leonardo da Vinci as he was painting a portrait of Lisa del Giocondo. Now that Mona Lisa has found her voice, she takes us on a 500 year journey as she recounts being admired, hung all over the world, sought after and even stolen.
Talk about bringing Mona Lisa to life, wow. This was an absolutely incredible read, and Solomon’s writing style and storytelling reminded me a lot of Madeline Miller, which is high praise indeed. The second I read the synopsis I was hooked by the idea of giving a voice to such a highly acclaimed piece of art, it’s not common for books (or films/music) to give voices to inanimate objects. This book was very well researched, executed perfectly and flowed beautifully from start to finish. I would recommend this to anyone that likes historical fiction, or anyone that just wants to try reading something new.
Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me a copy of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review.
I think most people are familiar with the Mona Lisa these days, but I doubt the same amount are familiar with the story behind her, the story that is all about this beautiful painting from da Vinci. In this wonderful book the Mona Lisa comes alive after being painted by Leonardo da Vinci as he was painting a portrait of Lisa del Giocondo. Now that Mona Lisa has found her voice, she takes us on a 500 year journey as she recounts being admired, hung all over the world, sought after and even stolen.
Talk about bringing Mona Lisa to life, wow. This was an absolutely incredible read, and Solomon’s writing style and storytelling reminded me a lot of Madeline Miller, which is high praise indeed. The second I read the synopsis I was hooked by the idea of giving a voice to such a highly acclaimed piece of art, it’s not common for books (or films/music) to give voices to inanimate objects. This book was very well researched, executed perfectly and flowed beautifully from start to finish. I would recommend this to anyone that likes historical fiction, or anyone that just wants to try reading something new.
Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me a copy of this wonderful book in exchange for an honest review.
July 26, 2022
I tried so hard to like this but the jumping about and the soppy love sick mona Lisa drove to me distraction and I've given up halfway through. 16 days I've tried this book and now I've given it up halfway through. I've better things to be reading than to waste my time on this anymore.
December 28, 2024
Istoriją pasakoja pati garsiausia pasaulyje nutapyta moteris Mona Liza. Su skaitytoju kalbasi ne istorinė asmenybė, o ta Mona Liza iš paveikslo. Ir pasakoja ji tai, ką mato ir jaučia paveikslinė asmenybė. Neįprastas rakursas, ar ne? Dabar įsivaizduokim, kad drobė nutapyta 1503-1506 metais. Paveikslas gyvas daugiau, kaip 500 metų. Todėl papasakoti Mona Liza tikrai turi ką: paveikslo atsiradimas, likimas po Da Vinčio mirties, gyvenimas Prancūzijos dvaruose, atsiradimas Luvre ir net vagystė iš ten. Bet dar didesnis akcentas istorijoje skiriamas santykiui su žmonėmis, kurie lydėjo Moną tuos 500 metų. Išskirtinė vieta čia tenka, aišku, Leonardui. Jų ryšys itin jautrus ir artimas.
Istorija neskubi ir nėra kupina daugybės įvykių. Daliai skaitytojų gali pasirodyti nuobodoka. O man knyga pasirodė neįprasta ir labai melancholiška.
Istorija neskubi ir nėra kupina daugybės įvykių. Daliai skaitytojų gali pasirodyti nuobodoka. O man knyga pasirodė neįprasta ir labai melancholiška.
Read
May 3, 2024I feel as though I now must visit the Louvre and have a tête-à-tête with the Mona Lisa
March 29, 2025
Knygos istorija papasakota iš Mona Lizos paveikslo perspektyvos. Nuo pirmo brūkšnio, kai ji atsirado, iki mūsų laikų - 500 metų istorija. Išskirtinai vaizdingai aprašyta Florencija su visais to laikmečio papročiais, Leonardo da Vinci ir visi kiti garsieji renesanso menininkai. Na, ir, žinoma, nepaprasta paveikslo kelionė per tuos visus laikmečius. Tikrai smagi knyga.
February 3, 2023
This book is told from the perspective of Mona Lisa, the most famous painting in the world, created by Leonardo da Vinci.
The story begins in Florence in 1504, where Mona Lisa is an unfinished painting – she talks about not having her hands. Lisa del Giocondo, a pious woman whose husband, a wealthy merchant, commissioned her portrait, doesn’t like the fact that the woman in the painting stares directly at her, she thinks it’s immodest.
Mona Lisa doesn’t hide the fact that she despises Lisa del Giocondo – it’s lucky that only Leonardo, her creator, can hear her. In fact, da Vinci talks to Mona as if she was a real person.
The story doesn’t follow a ‘normal’ narrative from start to finish. Mona jumps between places and historical periods, long after Leonardo has died. She recalls how she ended up at the French court, then at the Louvre, where she was kidnapped by Vincenzo Peruggia in 1911.
I loved the concept of the story, I found it unusual and fascinating. What a remarkable idea to give voice to a painting! With such a perceptive stare, it’s only natural to assume that Mona Lisa has witnessed a lot in her existence, and this book portrays that beautifully.
I really liked the unusual friendship between Mona and Leda (from the painting Leda and the Swan), but the love between Mona and da Vinci was truly astounding. He loved her and thought of her as real, and in return she loved him deeply and she mourned him all those years later.
There is a plethora of historical characters in the book, such as Michelangelo, the Medici family, Machiavelli, and even Picasso.
It’s a must read for all fans of historical fiction.
The story begins in Florence in 1504, where Mona Lisa is an unfinished painting – she talks about not having her hands. Lisa del Giocondo, a pious woman whose husband, a wealthy merchant, commissioned her portrait, doesn’t like the fact that the woman in the painting stares directly at her, she thinks it’s immodest.
Mona Lisa doesn’t hide the fact that she despises Lisa del Giocondo – it’s lucky that only Leonardo, her creator, can hear her. In fact, da Vinci talks to Mona as if she was a real person.
The story doesn’t follow a ‘normal’ narrative from start to finish. Mona jumps between places and historical periods, long after Leonardo has died. She recalls how she ended up at the French court, then at the Louvre, where she was kidnapped by Vincenzo Peruggia in 1911.
I loved the concept of the story, I found it unusual and fascinating. What a remarkable idea to give voice to a painting! With such a perceptive stare, it’s only natural to assume that Mona Lisa has witnessed a lot in her existence, and this book portrays that beautifully.
I really liked the unusual friendship between Mona and Leda (from the painting Leda and the Swan), but the love between Mona and da Vinci was truly astounding. He loved her and thought of her as real, and in return she loved him deeply and she mourned him all those years later.
There is a plethora of historical characters in the book, such as Michelangelo, the Medici family, Machiavelli, and even Picasso.
It’s a must read for all fans of historical fiction.
June 20, 2022
I loved this novel! Historical fiction from the 16th century featuring Leonardo da Vinci and his most famous painting, the Mona Lisa.
In a brilliant stroke of imagination, Natasha Solomons makes the painting itself her main character. She also makes it completely believable that a painting can tell us about its long, celebrated yet often tragic life through the centuries.
If you love good historical fiction, the Renaissance, art, intrigue, and just enough romance, this book is for you. I declare it to be in the top percentage of the genre.
In a brilliant stroke of imagination, Natasha Solomons makes the painting itself her main character. She also makes it completely believable that a painting can tell us about its long, celebrated yet often tragic life through the centuries.
If you love good historical fiction, the Renaissance, art, intrigue, and just enough romance, this book is for you. I declare it to be in the top percentage of the genre.
October 1, 2025
Amo e ammiro Leonardo da sempre, ma se c’è una sua opera che non ha mai riscosso in me un particolare entusiasmo è, fatalità, proprio la Monna Lisa, il dipinto che l’ha reso immortale: o meglio, come ci racconta la stessa Lisa tra le pagine di questo libro, il dipinto che li ha resi immortali a vicenda.
Dopo aver letto la sua storia, narrata da Lisa nell’ammaliante romanzo della Solomons, non la penserò più allo stesso modo.
L’idea di rendere un’opera d’arte (e che opera d’arte!) protagonista e voce narrante di un libro poteva rivelarsi pericolosa, eppure appena ho scoperto di cosa si trattava mi ci sono fiondata immediatamente, troppo curiosa per poter resistere. Non leggevo nulla della Solomons dai tempi de ‘I Goldbaum” ed è stato un piacere immergermi di nuovo nella sua scrittura, semplice e senza troppi fronzoli ma al contempo elegante ed evocativa.
Lisa ripercorre per, e insieme a noi, le vicende salienti della sua lunghissima esistenza, con frequenti salti temporali tra il remoto passato e uno più recente, che contribuiscono anche a rendere la lettura meno monotona. La prima parte, ambientata nella Firenze in cui Lisa ha visto la luce per la prima volta, è semplicemente incantevole; così come fare la conoscenza con Leonardo e la sua bottega. L’ingegno multiforme di Leonardo, così come la sua personalità eccentrica, ammaliante e talvolta contraddittoria, viene illustrato da una Lisa che ama il suo creatore più di ogni altra cosa al mondo (pur senza scadere nell’indulgenza): d’altronde lui le ha donato una voce. Una voce che, però, solo i più sensibili all’arte sono in grado di sentire: oltre allo stesso Leonardo, l’elegante pittore Raffaello; il fumantino Michelangelo; il vanesio ma geniale Picasso. Leggere della tormentata vicenda legata alla commissione dell’affresco della Battaglia di Anghiari, e il seguente fallimento nella stesura dell’opera, è stata per me un’esperienza incredibile: pur non essendo mai stata compiuta la trovo affascinantissima.
Lisa è un’opera d’arte, ma ha un carattere più marcato della mandria di sedicenti eroine che affollano molti romanzi d’oggigiorno. Mi ha insegnato tanto e la porterò con me per sempre, in particolare per quanto riguarda il racconto della sua solitudine. Dopo aver perso Leonardo, il suo grande amore, Lisa perde tragicamente anche la sua migliore amica, Leda, un altro dipinto che per il genere umano è una tragedia non poter ammirare oggi: sono convinta che si trattasse di una gemma di incommensurabile bellezza, essendo nata dal pennello del maestro. Condannata dallo scorrere del tempo a perdere tutti i suoi amici e coloro che più amava, Lisa ci osserva ancora oggi dalla sua prigione di vetro al Louvre, ascoltando in silenzio le orde di turisti che si precipitano a fotografarla solo per poter dire di averla vista, di aver visto il dipinto più famoso del mondo.
“Vista”, non “guardata”.
Forse solo ora mi rendo conto di non aver reso giustizia a Monna Lisa come avrei dovuto. Mi sono chiesta di rado quale valore potesse avere un’opera d’arte per il suo creatore, ma da oggi lo farò sempre e guarderò Lisa con occhi diversi, quando finalmente avrò il privilegio di fare la sua conoscenza. La fissiamo dietro allo schermo di un telefono, carichi di aspettative gonfiate dalla sua celebrità, invece dovremmo cercare le tracce del passaggio delle mani di Leonardo su di lei, domandarci cosa abbia da raccontare un dipinto con tutti questi secoli di vita alle spalle, tentare di sentire la sua voce immortale.
Molti si chiedono se il suo sia effettivamente un sorriso oppure una smorfia che nasconde chissà quale pensiero. Io invece credo che Monna Lisa offra il suo sorriso solamente a chi tenta di vedere oltre la superficie della sua apparenza e fare di lei un’amica da portare per sempre nel cuore, per alleviare almeno un po’ il fardello della solitudine.
Uno dei libri più belli che io abbia letto quest’anno. Grazie Natasha per averci dato la possibilità di ascoltare la voce di Monna Lisa mentre tu, nel frattempo, cercavi di ritrovare la tua.
Dopo aver letto la sua storia, narrata da Lisa nell’ammaliante romanzo della Solomons, non la penserò più allo stesso modo.
L’idea di rendere un’opera d’arte (e che opera d’arte!) protagonista e voce narrante di un libro poteva rivelarsi pericolosa, eppure appena ho scoperto di cosa si trattava mi ci sono fiondata immediatamente, troppo curiosa per poter resistere. Non leggevo nulla della Solomons dai tempi de ‘I Goldbaum” ed è stato un piacere immergermi di nuovo nella sua scrittura, semplice e senza troppi fronzoli ma al contempo elegante ed evocativa.
Lisa ripercorre per, e insieme a noi, le vicende salienti della sua lunghissima esistenza, con frequenti salti temporali tra il remoto passato e uno più recente, che contribuiscono anche a rendere la lettura meno monotona. La prima parte, ambientata nella Firenze in cui Lisa ha visto la luce per la prima volta, è semplicemente incantevole; così come fare la conoscenza con Leonardo e la sua bottega. L’ingegno multiforme di Leonardo, così come la sua personalità eccentrica, ammaliante e talvolta contraddittoria, viene illustrato da una Lisa che ama il suo creatore più di ogni altra cosa al mondo (pur senza scadere nell’indulgenza): d’altronde lui le ha donato una voce. Una voce che, però, solo i più sensibili all’arte sono in grado di sentire: oltre allo stesso Leonardo, l’elegante pittore Raffaello; il fumantino Michelangelo; il vanesio ma geniale Picasso. Leggere della tormentata vicenda legata alla commissione dell’affresco della Battaglia di Anghiari, e il seguente fallimento nella stesura dell’opera, è stata per me un’esperienza incredibile: pur non essendo mai stata compiuta la trovo affascinantissima.
Lisa è un’opera d’arte, ma ha un carattere più marcato della mandria di sedicenti eroine che affollano molti romanzi d’oggigiorno. Mi ha insegnato tanto e la porterò con me per sempre, in particolare per quanto riguarda il racconto della sua solitudine. Dopo aver perso Leonardo, il suo grande amore, Lisa perde tragicamente anche la sua migliore amica, Leda, un altro dipinto che per il genere umano è una tragedia non poter ammirare oggi: sono convinta che si trattasse di una gemma di incommensurabile bellezza, essendo nata dal pennello del maestro. Condannata dallo scorrere del tempo a perdere tutti i suoi amici e coloro che più amava, Lisa ci osserva ancora oggi dalla sua prigione di vetro al Louvre, ascoltando in silenzio le orde di turisti che si precipitano a fotografarla solo per poter dire di averla vista, di aver visto il dipinto più famoso del mondo.
“Vista”, non “guardata”.
Forse solo ora mi rendo conto di non aver reso giustizia a Monna Lisa come avrei dovuto. Mi sono chiesta di rado quale valore potesse avere un’opera d’arte per il suo creatore, ma da oggi lo farò sempre e guarderò Lisa con occhi diversi, quando finalmente avrò il privilegio di fare la sua conoscenza. La fissiamo dietro allo schermo di un telefono, carichi di aspettative gonfiate dalla sua celebrità, invece dovremmo cercare le tracce del passaggio delle mani di Leonardo su di lei, domandarci cosa abbia da raccontare un dipinto con tutti questi secoli di vita alle spalle, tentare di sentire la sua voce immortale.
Molti si chiedono se il suo sia effettivamente un sorriso oppure una smorfia che nasconde chissà quale pensiero. Io invece credo che Monna Lisa offra il suo sorriso solamente a chi tenta di vedere oltre la superficie della sua apparenza e fare di lei un’amica da portare per sempre nel cuore, per alleviare almeno un po’ il fardello della solitudine.
Uno dei libri più belli che io abbia letto quest’anno. Grazie Natasha per averci dato la possibilità di ascoltare la voce di Monna Lisa mentre tu, nel frattempo, cercavi di ritrovare la tua.
January 15, 2025
never thought there would be tears in my eyes because of a painting but oh my god this was told beautifully. a book from the perspective of a painting is such a unique idea and the amount of research that must have gone into this is incredible. i adored this
August 1, 2024
A delicious, colourful, illuminating and couldn’t-put-down story about women lost and forgotten through the centuries.
May 16, 2023
A solid recommendation from my Grandma - I, Mona Lisa is a story of love and adventure spanning across centuries and told from the point of view of the painting HERSELF! 🖼️
The concept is kinda camp, as pointed out by a friend who also read the book (shout out to Bonnie). It makes for a fun read which is (impressively) based in truth. 📚
The story begins with the creation of Mona Lisa in renaissance Italy. We witness her 'birth' and the discovery of her voice as Leonardo de Vinci (LDV) paints her (he is seemingly the only one who can converse with her). She is in love with her creator, obviously, and whilst nobody else can technically hear her she must make sure her voice is heard. 🗣️
And honestly, she succeeds.
Mona Lisa's character is sharp-tongued and high-key shady. 💅🏼
She's not afraid to drop the ol' F-bomb OR the C-bomb. What Ms Lisa lacks in likability she certainly makes up for in entertainment value - although it sometimes feels as though she speaks out of character...like near the end of the book when she catapults that explosive insult at her lifelong friend whom she previously claimed was one of her eternal loves? It definitely wasn't in jest. 🍆 🦢
One of the strongest elements of this book is its historical accuracy (save for a few dates). It details the personal life and professional career of LDV and his assistants, the process of painting the Mona Lisa and chronicles pivotal moments from the 17th and 18th centuries as well as WWII and the theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911. You will probably learn some new historical facts! 🎨
Solomons opts for a non-linear timeline which changes in location and year each chapter. It adds a nice pacing to the book, ensuring that the ageless romance between Ms Lisa and LDV stretches out for the entirety of the novel. 💗
It 100% won't happen but I would love to read a speculative fiction sequel that spans over the next 300 years and covers the Mona Lisa cake incident of 2022, dealing with topics of climate emergency and the political effects of it. It's obviously way too niche but one can still hope.🤞🏼🍰
I, Mona Lisa probably won't change your life but it's an entertaining read nonetheless.
3.6 stars.
The concept is kinda camp, as pointed out by a friend who also read the book (shout out to Bonnie). It makes for a fun read which is (impressively) based in truth. 📚
The story begins with the creation of Mona Lisa in renaissance Italy. We witness her 'birth' and the discovery of her voice as Leonardo de Vinci (LDV) paints her (he is seemingly the only one who can converse with her). She is in love with her creator, obviously, and whilst nobody else can technically hear her she must make sure her voice is heard. 🗣️
And honestly, she succeeds.
Mona Lisa's character is sharp-tongued and high-key shady. 💅🏼
She's not afraid to drop the ol' F-bomb OR the C-bomb. What Ms Lisa lacks in likability she certainly makes up for in entertainment value - although it sometimes feels as though she speaks out of character...like near the end of the book when she catapults that explosive insult at her lifelong friend whom she previously claimed was one of her eternal loves? It definitely wasn't in jest. 🍆 🦢
One of the strongest elements of this book is its historical accuracy (save for a few dates). It details the personal life and professional career of LDV and his assistants, the process of painting the Mona Lisa and chronicles pivotal moments from the 17th and 18th centuries as well as WWII and the theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911. You will probably learn some new historical facts! 🎨
Solomons opts for a non-linear timeline which changes in location and year each chapter. It adds a nice pacing to the book, ensuring that the ageless romance between Ms Lisa and LDV stretches out for the entirety of the novel. 💗
It 100% won't happen but I would love to read a speculative fiction sequel that spans over the next 300 years and covers the Mona Lisa cake incident of 2022, dealing with topics of climate emergency and the political effects of it. It's obviously way too niche but one can still hope.🤞🏼🍰
I, Mona Lisa probably won't change your life but it's an entertaining read nonetheless.
3.6 stars.
September 14, 2025
DONNE E ARTE
"Non tutti gli atti d'amore necessitano di organi sessuali: a volte pittura e immaginazione sono sufficienti".
Dedico un'unica recensione a questi due romanzi di Natasha Solomons, non soltanto perché ormai la tesi mi sta togliendo un sacco di tempo(oltre alla vita), ma fondamentalmente perché in entrambi i casi sono rimasta molto affascinata dal rilievo assunto dal tema dell'arte all'interno sia di "Io, Monna Lisa" che de "La galleria dei mariti scomparsi".
Nel primo caso, c'era sicuramente da aspettarselo. Ho atteso con ansia la pubblicazione di questo libro per poter conoscere meglio le vicende toccate al più famoso dipinto di Leonardo da Vinci, ma mai mi sarei aspettata che, oltre a respirare le atmosfere di secoli estremamente diversi fra loro (dal Cinquecento al Novecento, contesti che l'autrice restituisce con grande vividezza), sarei riuscita a percepire chiaramente i sentimenti di quello che, in fin dei conti, è soltanto un quadro. Forse il quadro più celebre al mondo, d'accordo, ma pur sempre un quadro. E invece la Solomons è davvero riuscita ad infondere la vita nella Monna Lisa, ricostruendone viaggi e peregrinazioni, ma anche immaginando l'entità dei rapporti instaurati con i vari personaggi con cui entra in contatto: Leonardo soprattutto, ma anche Michelangelo e Picasso, e persino coloro che, non dotati di alcun talento artistico, non sono in grado di sentirne la voce.
Molto toccante, in particolare, la descrizione del legame tra Lisa e Leda, che mi ha colpito al punto da Ho trovato molto penetrante anche la riflessione sulla condizione femminile, i cui disagi non potevano essere espressi in maniera più efficace, ovvero dal punto di vista di donne "intrappolate" in una cornice.
"Se le donne erano macchine fatte per soffrire, a girare la manovella erano gli uomini".
"Leonardo sarà sempre su questa terra, finché ci sono io".
***
"Quand'ero bambina e facevo fatica ad amare Dio, mia madre mi portò alla National Gallery [...] dicendomi che Dio era nei quadri. Io li scrutavo con attenzione ma, per quanto mi sforzassi, non riuscivo a scorgere Dio [...]. I quadri mi piacevano per ciò che erano. Il punto è che non ho più bisogno di Dio, però ho bisogno dell'arte".
Quanto a "La galleria dei mariti scomparsi", volevo leggerlo da una vita: mi ero quindi ripromessa di farlo soltanto una volta terminato il romanzo sulla Monna Lisa, nel caso in cui mi fosse piaciuto. Sebbene debba ammettere che questo secondo libro non mi abbia preso quanto il primo (è sicuramente meno dinamico), ne ho comunque adorato la trama e le sue sorprese (la verità dietro la scomparsa di George mi ha lasciato a bocca aperta!), ma anche i personaggi: Juliet sicuramente, ma le mie maggiori simpatie vanno a Leonard e Charlie.
Gli elementi che più ho apprezzato, tuttavia, sono gli stessi che ho adorato in "Io, Monna Lisa", ovvero il peso dell'arte e della questione di genere. Ogni capitolo ha infatti il titolo di un ritratto che è stato realizzato della protagonista, creando così un "caleidoscopio di donne" atto a restituire l'evoluzione di una donna oppressa dai pregiudizi e dalle convenzioni sociali che, anche grazie alla sua passione per l'arte e alla decisione di aprirsi al mondo, riuscirà a guadagnare la libertà tanto agognata.
"George [...] Era stato lui a sparire ma, con grande sconforto, aveva scoperto di essere lei quella che stava scomparendo a poco a poco".
"Potrei andare ovunque. Non mi sono persa, sono libera".
***
Ho finito comunque per scrivere una recensione chilometrica, praticamente due. Poco importa: questi romanzi lo meritavano.
"Non tutti gli atti d'amore necessitano di organi sessuali: a volte pittura e immaginazione sono sufficienti".
Dedico un'unica recensione a questi due romanzi di Natasha Solomons, non soltanto perché ormai la tesi mi sta togliendo un sacco di tempo
Nel primo caso, c'era sicuramente da aspettarselo. Ho atteso con ansia la pubblicazione di questo libro per poter conoscere meglio le vicende toccate al più famoso dipinto di Leonardo da Vinci, ma mai mi sarei aspettata che, oltre a respirare le atmosfere di secoli estremamente diversi fra loro (dal Cinquecento al Novecento, contesti che l'autrice restituisce con grande vividezza), sarei riuscita a percepire chiaramente i sentimenti di quello che, in fin dei conti, è soltanto un quadro. Forse il quadro più celebre al mondo, d'accordo, ma pur sempre un quadro. E invece la Solomons è davvero riuscita ad infondere la vita nella Monna Lisa, ricostruendone viaggi e peregrinazioni, ma anche immaginando l'entità dei rapporti instaurati con i vari personaggi con cui entra in contatto: Leonardo soprattutto, ma anche Michelangelo e Picasso, e persino coloro che, non dotati di alcun talento artistico, non sono in grado di sentirne la voce.
Molto toccante, in particolare, la descrizione del legame tra Lisa e Leda, che mi ha colpito al punto da Ho trovato molto penetrante anche la riflessione sulla condizione femminile, i cui disagi non potevano essere espressi in maniera più efficace, ovvero dal punto di vista di donne "intrappolate" in una cornice.
"Se le donne erano macchine fatte per soffrire, a girare la manovella erano gli uomini".
"Leonardo sarà sempre su questa terra, finché ci sono io".
***
"Quand'ero bambina e facevo fatica ad amare Dio, mia madre mi portò alla National Gallery [...] dicendomi che Dio era nei quadri. Io li scrutavo con attenzione ma, per quanto mi sforzassi, non riuscivo a scorgere Dio [...]. I quadri mi piacevano per ciò che erano. Il punto è che non ho più bisogno di Dio, però ho bisogno dell'arte".
Quanto a "La galleria dei mariti scomparsi", volevo leggerlo da una vita: mi ero quindi ripromessa di farlo soltanto una volta terminato il romanzo sulla Monna Lisa, nel caso in cui mi fosse piaciuto. Sebbene debba ammettere che questo secondo libro non mi abbia preso quanto il primo (è sicuramente meno dinamico), ne ho comunque adorato la trama e le sue sorprese (la verità dietro la scomparsa di George mi ha lasciato a bocca aperta!), ma anche i personaggi: Juliet sicuramente, ma le mie maggiori simpatie vanno a Leonard e Charlie.
Gli elementi che più ho apprezzato, tuttavia, sono gli stessi che ho adorato in "Io, Monna Lisa", ovvero il peso dell'arte e della questione di genere. Ogni capitolo ha infatti il titolo di un ritratto che è stato realizzato della protagonista, creando così un "caleidoscopio di donne" atto a restituire l'evoluzione di una donna oppressa dai pregiudizi e dalle convenzioni sociali che, anche grazie alla sua passione per l'arte e alla decisione di aprirsi al mondo, riuscirà a guadagnare la libertà tanto agognata.
"George [...] Era stato lui a sparire ma, con grande sconforto, aveva scoperto di essere lei quella che stava scomparendo a poco a poco".
"Potrei andare ovunque. Non mi sono persa, sono libera".
***
Ho finito comunque per scrivere una recensione chilometrica, praticamente due. Poco importa: questi romanzi lo meritavano.
April 30, 2022
All’inizio rimasi in ascolto nel buio. Quand’ero nuova non avevo occhi e non potevo distinguere la notte dal giorno. Però scoprii che mi piaceva la musica – la gioia improvvisa della lira da braccio e del flauto – e il rauco chiacchiericcio dello studio. Il solletico del carboncino. Il calore costante dei suoi polpastrelli, tutte cose che mi stimolavano verso l’esistenza, una velatura dopo l’altra. Non presi vita d’un tratto, ma come fumo che si accumula in una stanza, un soffio dopo l’altro. Il suo respiro sulla guancia mentre il pennello mi infondeva la vita. Presi coscienza come se stessi risalendo dalle profondità del mare più insondabile, freddo e scuro. Percepivo le voci come l’attrito delle onde sulle rocce. Ma era sempre la sua voce quella che ascoltavo. Lui mi sussurrava. Mi dava vita con la sua forza di volontà, mi blandiva per farmi emergere dalla tavola di pioppo. Fino ad allora ero soddisfatta nell’oscurità, ancora non sapevo che esistesse la luce.
3 stelline e mezzo
Questo è il terzo libro di Natasha Solomons che leggo. Pensavo che avrei finalmente affrontato i Goldenbaum, invece poi è uscito questo, con una trama che mi ha a dir poco incuriosito.
Ne ho visti di POV originali, ma non ricordo molti libri in cui l'io narrante è un quadro!
E non un quadro qualsiasi, ma uno dei più celebri, quella Gioconda che avrete visto come opera di Leonardo, ma anche ripetuta in centinaia di versioni (riccia, con cambio d'abito, felice, come meme, ecc.). E anche uno dei quadri che più hanno ispirato enigmi, film, complotti.
Tutti la guardano e ne rimangono affascinanti (anche se quando la vidi al Louvre, così piccola, lontanissima, protetta da teche antiproiettile, per me fu una mezza delusione).
La Solomons parte dall'oggi, proprio da quel quadro tenuto isolato dagli spettatori, e che non riesce più a farsi "sentire". Perchè ci fu un tempo in cui gli uomini conversavano con lei, confidandole speranze, desideri, rimorsi. A partire da Leonardo, agli inizi del 1500.
Poi il quadro viaggia, va in Francia, prima a Fontainebleau e poi a Versailles, saltando avanti e indietro nei secoli, mentre la Storia si snoda davanti agli occhi di Monna Lisa.
Ovviamente, la licenza letteraria tiene fin dove si è in grado di collocare il quadro nel tempo; Lisa può raccontare soltanto ciò che accade davanti ai suoi occhi, mentre sta appesa, lungo un corridoio, in un salone, attraverso una finestra che guarda fuori.
Diciamo che è stata un'esperienza interessante, però continuo a preferire i romanzi tradizionali.
Va riconosciuto alla Solomons uno stile sopra alla media, con cui riesce a descrivere, soffermarsi su fatti veri o tramandati, darci interpretazioni e svelandoci retroscena anche credibili.
Però 350 pagine senza una vera trama sono tantine. Mi è mancato molto non poter affezionarmi a un personaggio di "carne", l'empatia per i sentimenti manifestati da pigmento e pioppo arrivano sino a un certo punto.
Nel complesso, scorrevole. Forse un po' stucchevole la parte con Leda e avrei gradito una maggior visuale femminile (per una volta una Storia raccontata con un'angolazione alternativa).
«Perché mai ti ho dipinto una bocca? Da allora non ho più pace»
3 stelline e mezzo
Questo è il terzo libro di Natasha Solomons che leggo. Pensavo che avrei finalmente affrontato i Goldenbaum, invece poi è uscito questo, con una trama che mi ha a dir poco incuriosito.
Ne ho visti di POV originali, ma non ricordo molti libri in cui l'io narrante è un quadro!
E non un quadro qualsiasi, ma uno dei più celebri, quella Gioconda che avrete visto come opera di Leonardo, ma anche ripetuta in centinaia di versioni (riccia, con cambio d'abito, felice, come meme, ecc.). E anche uno dei quadri che più hanno ispirato enigmi, film, complotti.
Tutti la guardano e ne rimangono affascinanti (anche se quando la vidi al Louvre, così piccola, lontanissima, protetta da teche antiproiettile, per me fu una mezza delusione).
La Solomons parte dall'oggi, proprio da quel quadro tenuto isolato dagli spettatori, e che non riesce più a farsi "sentire". Perchè ci fu un tempo in cui gli uomini conversavano con lei, confidandole speranze, desideri, rimorsi. A partire da Leonardo, agli inizi del 1500.
Poi il quadro viaggia, va in Francia, prima a Fontainebleau e poi a Versailles, saltando avanti e indietro nei secoli, mentre la Storia si snoda davanti agli occhi di Monna Lisa.
Ovviamente, la licenza letteraria tiene fin dove si è in grado di collocare il quadro nel tempo; Lisa può raccontare soltanto ciò che accade davanti ai suoi occhi, mentre sta appesa, lungo un corridoio, in un salone, attraverso una finestra che guarda fuori.
Diciamo che è stata un'esperienza interessante, però continuo a preferire i romanzi tradizionali.
Va riconosciuto alla Solomons uno stile sopra alla media, con cui riesce a descrivere, soffermarsi su fatti veri o tramandati, darci interpretazioni e svelandoci retroscena anche credibili.
Però 350 pagine senza una vera trama sono tantine. Mi è mancato molto non poter affezionarmi a un personaggio di "carne", l'empatia per i sentimenti manifestati da pigmento e pioppo arrivano sino a un certo punto.
Nel complesso, scorrevole. Forse un po' stucchevole la parte con Leda e avrei gradito una maggior visuale femminile (per una volta una Storia raccontata con un'angolazione alternativa).
«Perché mai ti ho dipinto una bocca? Da allora non ho più pace»
November 1, 2021
I, Mona Lisa is Natasha Solomons most imaginative and beautifully written book to date. Mona Lisa is given life by Leonardo's brilliant painting and Solomons breaths life into Mona Lisa with words. Mona Lisa becomes a living person with a voice, emotions and spirit. There are times when the poetic beauty of the prose is as eloquent as the painting itself. Solomons gives the reader a powerful insight into the elusive unique quality of Mona Lisa and helps us understand why this is the world's most famous painting. Meticulously researched, grounded in fact and history it is both informative and exquisitely written. Not only will you discover Mona Lisa's soul but will also learn about the character of Leonardo del Vinci and the world he lived in. The book confronts the big questions of mortality and grief whilst raging at the fate of being a woman who has a voice but is not heard.
November 26, 2021
3.5 stars.
There was something simply magical about Solomons' writing style. She was able to craft the most exquisite sentences and paint the most vivid scenes. Mona Lisa was brought to life through her beautiful words. The way she connected history and humankind through the central point of the Mona Lisa was also incredible. However, I struggled to connect to the overall story. While I found myself adoring certain parts, others I felt were too repetitive or drawn out. I went back and forth between loving the writing and finding myself a little bored with the plot. Truly, it was a beautifully written novel, I just wish I found myself more drawn in with the plot.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #IMonaLisa #NetGalley. All opinions are my own
There was something simply magical about Solomons' writing style. She was able to craft the most exquisite sentences and paint the most vivid scenes. Mona Lisa was brought to life through her beautiful words. The way she connected history and humankind through the central point of the Mona Lisa was also incredible. However, I struggled to connect to the overall story. While I found myself adoring certain parts, others I felt were too repetitive or drawn out. I went back and forth between loving the writing and finding myself a little bored with the plot. Truly, it was a beautifully written novel, I just wish I found myself more drawn in with the plot.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #IMonaLisa #NetGalley. All opinions are my own
April 8, 2022
As an artist (and art enthusiast) myself, I was instantly drawn to the premise behind I, Mona Lisa -mainly that I thought it would focus in on the feminist angle, centring on forgotten (or this case, silenced) women in art history.
However what I found instead, was a far too flowery, over-romantic and unfortunately clichéd, depiction.
BORING and unfortunately not as female focused/led, as you’d like to think (basically a love letter to Leonardo more than anything else)
2.5 stars
Thank you to Hutchinson publishing for sending me a copy -just not my cup of tea in the end I’m afraid!
However what I found instead, was a far too flowery, over-romantic and unfortunately clichéd, depiction.
BORING and unfortunately not as female focused/led, as you’d like to think (basically a love letter to Leonardo more than anything else)
2.5 stars
Thank you to Hutchinson publishing for sending me a copy -just not my cup of tea in the end I’m afraid!
August 19, 2022
Natasha Solomon’s is one of my favorite authors and I was really excited about her new book. I preordered it, and then read it during my birthday month as a present. This novel is completely different from her others, and I think it is a very ambitious attempt at a difficult task of taking the perspective of Mona Lisa herself, during her “life” (so far) as a painting. I liked how some artists could hear her, and others could not. I also enjoyed her opinions regarding certain figures in history she came to know, like the Medici family, and her descriptions of 1500s Florence.
August 4, 2025
5-
Mona Liza man jau niekada nebebus „tik paveikslas“. Po šios knygos ji įgavo balsą, istoriją ir sielą...
Rašymo stilius labai moteriškai švelnus, vaizdingas, jausmingas ir estetiškas.. keliaujantis per šimtmečius.. Kas buvot Florencijoje, tai skaitydami knygą vėl į ją sugrįšite :) (aš sugrįžau).
Labai dėkinga šiai knygai, už įpintus tikrus istorinius faktus (apie Leonardo da Vinčį, Renesanso laikų Florenciją ir pan.). Ačiū, papildžiau dalelę savo istorinių žinių spragų :) Autorė elgiasi pagarbiai su istorine medžiaga, nekuria sensacijos stipriai pakeisdama tikrus faktus.
Mona Liza man jau niekada nebebus „tik paveikslas“. Po šios knygos ji įgavo balsą, istoriją ir sielą...
Rašymo stilius labai moteriškai švelnus, vaizdingas, jausmingas ir estetiškas.. keliaujantis per šimtmečius.. Kas buvot Florencijoje, tai skaitydami knygą vėl į ją sugrįšite :) (aš sugrįžau).
Labai dėkinga šiai knygai, už įpintus tikrus istorinius faktus (apie Leonardo da Vinčį, Renesanso laikų Florenciją ir pan.). Ačiū, papildžiau dalelę savo istorinių žinių spragų :) Autorė elgiasi pagarbiai su istorine medžiaga, nekuria sensacijos stipriai pakeisdama tikrus faktus.
December 4, 2021
When reading historical fiction, I do like a firm anchor in fact. Natasha Solomons gives us a framework of fact, carefully researched and verified, which she has covered with a swirl of emotion, fixed by writing which is often lyrical. This reader was quickly caught up in the central premise of the novel, that a two dimensional painting can have a three dimensional character with likes, dislikes and loves which she can communicate to a select few.
A love story over five hundred years which is hugely satisfying and enjoyable
A love story over five hundred years which is hugely satisfying and enjoyable
March 15, 2022
Unusual narrative , this book gives the painting of Mona Lisa a 'voice'. Mona Lisa looks at history through her long life. I found the end of the book quite moving
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2024
Remember when you were in Year 8 and your English teacher told you to write a story from the perspective of a painting? This is it.
Obviously done a bit better, with lots of meticulous research about Leonardo da Vinci’s life and studio, but it still can’t quite shake that cringe factor. Maybe it’s just that first-person (first-painting?) narration always grates a bit, sounds whiny.
The idea of an object’s biography is a good one – what epochs and secrets and seismic changes has the Mona Lisa witnessed? But to do that properly I would’ve liked more on the later centuries – we get chapters and chapters of Renaissance Florence, and then a barely a breath on the almost-unbelievable twists of the twentieth century, when Picasso was accused of stealing her from the Louvre in 1911, and when elaborate plans were enacted to squirrel her away from the Nazis.
Obviously done a bit better, with lots of meticulous research about Leonardo da Vinci’s life and studio, but it still can’t quite shake that cringe factor. Maybe it’s just that first-person (first-painting?) narration always grates a bit, sounds whiny.
The idea of an object’s biography is a good one – what epochs and secrets and seismic changes has the Mona Lisa witnessed? But to do that properly I would’ve liked more on the later centuries – we get chapters and chapters of Renaissance Florence, and then a barely a breath on the almost-unbelievable twists of the twentieth century, when Picasso was accused of stealing her from the Louvre in 1911, and when elaborate plans were enacted to squirrel her away from the Nazis.
July 4, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
September 2, 2023
It was a bit slow at the beginning but really was a charming book. As well, I learned so much history about France, Italy and Leonardo da Vinci. I definitely recommend.
December 20, 2023
MON DIEU MAIS ENFIN
2 mois que je lis ce livre
4 mois que je n’en avais pas finis
feels good
2 mois que je lis ce livre
4 mois que je n’en avais pas finis
feels good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews