Rhetorical Analysis Final

The Mona Lisa is the most famous work in the entire 40,000-year history of the visual arts. It provokes instant shocks of recognition wherever it is shown. Reduces the Venus of Milo and the Sistine Chapel to the level of merely local marvels. Sells as many post-cards as a tropical resort, and stimulates as many people as an unsolved international murder mystery. Like many celebrities today, the Mona Lisa is simply famous for being famous. Louvre officials estimate that most of the museum’s first-time visitors come mainly to stare at this cross between a cultural model and an icon of tastelessness. (Cardinale, 2007) Undoubtedly, the painting has become part of our collective subconscious. This picture has provoked and been the object of more crazy reactions, analysis, imitations, scandalous take-offs and commercialization than any other work of art in history. But why is the Mona Lisa so famous? And what qualities does it possess that has contributed to its success?
Da Vinci clearly uses a design that places the woman simply and calmly in the space of the painting. This puts the viewer in a tranquil, relaxed state of mind. By doing this, Da Vinci is demonstrating the rhetorical appeal of pathos. As one continues to view the painting, it can be noticed that the detail of Lisa's hands reveals that her right hand is resting on her left. One would have to assume he chose this gesture rather than a wedding ring to depict Lisa as a virtuous woman and faithful wife. By doing this, Da Vinci is demonstrating ethos as well as cause and effect, by indicating the character of the woman. The woman sits strikingly upright with her arms folded, which is also a sign of her reserved posture, and is yet another example of pathos. Only her gaze is fixed on the observer and seems to welcome them with silent communication.
Mona Lisa has no visible facial hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes. It was common at this time for refined women to pluck them out, since they were considered to be unsightly. This also aides to the emotionless expression upon the woman’s face, and adds to its slightly semi-abstract quality. The figure evokes an ambiguous effect and we are attracted to this mysterious woman, but have to stay at a distance as if she were a divine creature.
The very look of that enigmatic, tight-lipped smile that has launched thousands of interpretations, logical explanations and crazy analyzes. It has been described as both innocent and inviting, and it is unknown why the smile has been seen so differently by people. Da Vinci is expressing great ethos here by appealing to the woman’s character. Because what exactly is behind the smile? The explanations range from scientific theories about human vision to ideas about Mona Lisa's identity and feelings. This expresses pathos, by appealing to the viewer’s emotions.
The trend most recently however, has leaned towards the physiological explanations for the smile. Was Mona Lisa, whoever she was, asthmatic? Simply a contented pregnant housewife? One could speculate that she smiled with her mouth closed because she was undergoing 16th-century-style mercury treatment for syphilis; the mercury would have turned her teeth an ugly black, as well as leaving her with a sorely inflamed mouth (Selkin, 2005). She could perhaps have suffered from congenital palsy affecting the left side of her face, backing up the theory by pointing out that she had the typically large hands of such patients. Or perhaps the semi-smile resulted from her being half-paralyzed either from birth or a stroke (Cardinale, 2007). This is indicated by the fact that her right hand looks relaxed but her left hand is strangely tense.
So who is the Mona Lisa? There are several variations to be considered as to the identification of the sitter. The painting was originally given its name because it was painted in imitation of Lisa del Giocondo, the wife the wealthy silk and cloth merchant Francesco del Giocondo, who is thought to have commissioned Lisa's portrait to celebrate the purchase of the family's new home in Florentine, Italy (Cardinale, 2007). The painting was intended for the portrayal of a woman of virtue. Shown as a faithful wife through gesture—her right hand rests over her left. Da Vinci presented Lisa as fashionable and successful, perhaps more well-off than she was, her dark garments and black veil were Spanish-influenced high fashion. Many believe that the veil is present because Lisa was mourning the loss of her daughter, yet another piece of identification. The portrait is strikingly large; its size is equal to that of commissions acquired by wealthier art patrons of the time. This extravagance has been explained as a sign of Francesco and Lisa's social aspiration.
During the last years of his life, Da Vinci spoke of a portrait "of a certain Florentine lady done from life at the request of the magnificent Giuliano de' Medici." (Gurstein, 2002). No evidence has been found that indicates a link between Lisa del Giocondo and Giuliano de' Medici, however, the comment could instead refer to one of the two other portraits of women painted by Da Vinci. A later statement created confusion when it linked the Mona Lisa to a portrait of Lisa del Giocondo’s husband, Francesco. Who is perhaps the origin of the controversial idea that it is the portrait is actually of a man.
This is when the idea that the Mona Lisa is actually a self-portrait came into play. The theory can be supported by the results of a digital analysis of the facial features of Leonardo's face and that of the famous painting. When a self-portrait drawing by Da Vinci is reversed and then merged with an image of the Mona Lisa, the features of the faces align perfectly (Lorenzi, 2008).Some suggest that the painting is of Da Vinci’s mother Caterina, which explains the resemblance between artist and subject, observed and would also explain why Leonardo kept the portrait with him wherever he traveled, until his death.
Whoever she may be, or whatever Da Vinci’s reasoning behind painting this woman, this painting is truly a magnificent specimen of how an artwork can impact a society in so many ways. It’s truly a magnificent work that sends deep emotional feelings, and leads to different interpretations by everyone who views it.

Works Cited:

Cardinale, Krista. The History of the Mona Lisa. 2007. Encyclomedia. 19 Nov. 2008 ‌mona_lisa.html>.

Gurstein, Rochelle. “The Mystic Smile.” Mona Lisa. 15 July 2002. 19 Nov. 2008 ‌020602.html>.

Lorenzi, Rossella. “Mona Lisa’s Identity Confirmed by Document.” Mona Lisa. Jan. 2008. Discovery News. 19 Nov. 2008 ‌020602.html>.

“Mona Lisa.” Leonardo DaVinci. Mar. 2002. 19 Nov. 2008 ‌leonardo/‌mona.html>.

Selkin, Carol. Mona Lisa Images for a Modern World. 11 Oct. 2005. Studiolo. 19 Nov. 2008 ‌Mona/‌MONASV02.htm#I:>.