We all know what she looks like, but the only way to see La Joconde (that's the Mona Lisa for those of you who are Italian or art impaired) is to take a trip to the Louvre in Paris. But naturally, the most famous painting in the world has been copied and reinterpreted over the centuries. It was this trail of reimagined portraits that led to "Mona Lisa Unveiled," an Italian exhibition that follows the history of da Vici's renowned portrait.
The exhibit is on loan from the Museo Ideale Leonardo da Vinci in
Florence, Italy and is on display through October 7 at Miami Dade
College's Freedom Tower.
"This exhibition is unique in that it brings together classic sixteenth
century art with modern pieces, giving relevance of the old pieces to
today's young audience, and anchoring new pieces with their classic
heritage," said Gloria Porcella, director of Galleria Ca' d'Oro who has
helped to bring "Mona Lisa Unveiled" to Miami.
The exhibit is split into two parts. The historical portion
features works and documents ranging from the 16th-19th century. The
modern section however, follows the theft of La Gioconda from the Louvre
in the early 20th century, and features later reinterpretations,
ranging from Salvador Dali to Romero Britto.
"There are many beautiful pieces, including versions by famous artists
and famous versions by unknown artists; even cartoons and newspaper
coverage from when the Mona Lisa was stolen 100 years ago," said
Porcella.
While many of the pieces are painting, drawings and clipping, some items
in the exhibit are not even 2-D. "I personally love Seward Johnson's
piece, "A Reason to Smile." It is an installation of bronze sculptures
arranged as the scene one encounters when visiting the Mona Lisa in the
Louvre," said Porcella.
The exhibit at the Freedom Tower (600 Biscayne Blvd., Miami) is open Tuesday to Sunday from 12pm-7pm. Entrance is free.
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