Becoming Mona Lisa: The Making of a Global Icon

by Donald Sassoon

Perhaps better than any other art object, the Mona Lisa demonstrates that something can be high art and pop, classic and cool. Donald Sassoon provides a fascinating account of how Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece became what it is today. He examines how the Renaissance genius created the picture, who the subject was, why it gained its unrivalled position in the art world, and how it has come to be used and abused by other artists and the international advertising industry.

Tracing the reception of da Vinci's paintings as well as the development of the museums, essential to bringing art to a broad public audience, Sassoon's account is as much the story of serious art's popularization as it is of one painting's ascendance to the status of global icon.

Brilliantly illustrated, this lively, engaging narrative is meticulously researched and written in an elegant, accessible prose.

Facts Behind the Smile

1) The most commonly asked question at the Louvre:
Where is the Mona Lisa?

2) In 2003, the Mona Lisa will become the only painting in the Louvre to occupy its own room.

3) As well as hanging in the Louvre, the Mona Lisa appears on mugs, ashtrays, calendars, folders, T-shirts, and mousepads.

4) Eighty-five percent of all Europeans think the Mona Lisa is the
best-known painting in the world.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, History, Art History

275 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Donald Sassoon is Emeritus Professor of Comparative European History at Queen Mary, University of London.

Reviews

[Lois · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is incredibly well researched and I fully agree with the author's ultimate conclusion. However, I felt that for the majority of the book that there were too many references from too many art movements, historical backgrounds and cultural moments that didn't, overall, make a huge difference in understanding the Mona Lisa's global fame. This is not to say that the research presented is not important, but rather feels a bit misplaced in an accessible non-fiction book. It would be far more suited to an academic essay, or even a series of seminars. There are also a couple of chapters (particularly 'Lisa goes Global') towards the end of the book where the discussion gets a little slap dash.

I did enjoy Donald Sassoon's obvious enthusiasm for his subject, and perhaps if I had a stronger interest in the Mona Lisa I would have enjoyed it more.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay read, but it does still feel a bit superficial. Does give background to the ridiculous popularity of the painting but not a lot of serious analysis.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't overly impressed by the first chapter or two. However, as the book progressed, I began to appreciate it more. In particular, the chapter on the cult of Leonardo and how hiw reputation and image evolved over time were thought provoking. It's easy to forget, even as a historian, how much we shape history to fit ourselves and what we're seeking. The chapters about the evolution of the interpretation of and attitudes toward the Mona Lisa itself were also interesting, although some of his claims and connections seem far-fetched. His work was so broad that it wasn't always deep, and some of his conjectures seem weak. However, overall it was a thought-provoking book and worth teh time to read it.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author of this book, I will admit, was a clever fellow. With all of the buzz, talk, and ideas surrounding one of the most famous paintings in all the art world, he successfully negotiated the paths of an honest thinker. He proposed the theories to the reader without really ever supporting just one of them.

Although the book was to be enjoyed, there was something about the sections on Lisa going 'pop' that bothered me. Perhaps it was the view of an historical icon as a pop-culture figure that lagged for me. The last 70 pages were like dragging my feet through a marsh.

Otherwise, enjoyable read for an art lover!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The history of how the Mona Lisa became the famous icon that it is today. A blend of art, culture, history, sociology, and anecdote made for an entertaining and enlightening read. I liked the illustrations which I consulted frequently when various painted were textually described.

[John E · Rating 3 out of 5]

If there was anything Sassoon missed in this book it must have been in Swahili. If you are interested in everything (and I mean everything) relating to the painting over the past 450 years it is here. I only managed to finish this book because I was out of town with no other reading.

[Debbie Howell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book that showed how the Mona Lisa became the most famous painting in the world, and how Leonardo da Vinci's reputation as a genius was formed.

[Shena Leonard · Rating 1 out of 5]

UGH.... This may be the first book I never finished.... I kept trying and trying to read it (it sounds cool, doesn't it???) but I could NOT read it - I would rather clean my house than read it...

[Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

- I really enjoyed this book!
- "The extraordinary story of how Leonardo Da Vinci's masterpiece became the most famous painting in the world, and an icon of popular culture."

[Shawn Thrasher · Rating 1 out of 5]

A promising start gave way to a big old snoozer. Two thumbs down - but not way down - there were some interesting tidbits and photos.

[Linda Ferreri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It's a rarity in that it is what I call "real art history." We just don't think about the fact that the Mona Lisa was not always famous. Imagine that!