The Mona Lisa's journey from Leonardo da Vinci's studio to the Louvre Museum is a tale of royal acquisition and revolutionary change. After Leonardo's death in 1519, the painting was acquired by King Francis I of France for 4,000 gold ducats, either directly from the artist or from his heir12. This purchase marked the Mona Lisa's entry into the French royal collection, where it remained for centuries. The painting was initially displayed at the Palace of Fontainebleau and later moved to the Palace of Versailles1. Following the French Revolution in the late 18th century, the Mona Lisa was transferred to the Louvre Museum in Paris, where it has been housed since 179745. This transition from royal possession to public museum made the masterpiece accessible to a broader audience, contributing significantly to its growing fame and cultural importance.

The 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa had a profound impact on both the painting's fame and museum security practices worldwide. The disappearance of Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece sparked a media frenzy, with newspapers across the globe hailing it as one of the most significant art thefts in history12. This extensive coverage dramatically increased public awareness and interest in the painting, elevating its status from a respected artwork to an international icon. The theft also prompted the Louvre and other museums to implement more stringent security measures, including advanced alarm systems, increased security staff, stricter access controls, and upgraded surveillance technologies3. Additionally, the incident fostered partnerships between museums, law enforcement agencies, and international organizations to better prevent and address art theft3. Ultimately, the theft and subsequent recovery of the Mona Lisa in 1913 cemented its place in art history and popular culture, contributing significantly to its enduring fame and mystique24.

The Mona Lisa has been the target of several high-profile incidents over the years, keeping it in the public eye and contributing to its fame. In 1956, a man threw a rock at the painting, causing minor damage that was easily repaired1. Later that same year, another individual attempted to damage it with a razor blade1. In 1974, during a rare global tour, the painting was spray-painted at its Tokyo exhibition by a protester1. More recently, in 2009, a Russian woman smashed a teacup against the protective glass1. These incidents have led to increased security measures, including bulletproof glass and a climate-controlled enclosure1. In 2022, a climate change activist smeared cake on the protective glass, further highlighting the painting's cultural significance and vulnerability1. Each of these events has generated significant media attention, reinforcing the Mona Lisa's status as one of the world's most famous and protected artworks.

The Mona Lisa's enduring mystique has spawned numerous theories and speculations, fueling public fascination for centuries. Here are some of the most intriguing hypotheses surrounding this iconic painting:

• The identity of the sitter remains a subject of debate. While many believe it to be Lisa Gherardini, wife of Francesco del Giocondo, alternative theories suggest it could be a self-portrait of Leonardo as a woman or even one of his pupils.12

• The enigmatic smile has inspired various interpretations. Some propose it represents a blend of joy and grief, possibly commemorating the birth of a child after a previous loss.1

• Scientific analyses have revealed hidden details, such as a gauze covering typically worn by pregnant or postpartum women beneath the paint layers.1

• The painting's background has been the subject of speculation. Italian geologist Ann Pizzorusso claims to have identified it as the city of Lecco on Lake Como, based on geological features.4

• Unusual theories abound, including claims of high cholesterol levels in the subject, Chinese connections, and even extraterrestrial influences.3

These ongoing speculations and discoveries continue to captivate the public, ensuring the Mona Lisa's place in popular culture and maintaining its status as one of the world's most intriguing artworks.