Mona Lisa by Joseph A. Hariss
Message Prompt:


Over time, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa has received many different explanations of what the smile represents. Critics all seem to believe that the smile contains a deep or hidden meaning. In my opinion, I think they believe there is a hidden meaning because it is too simple without the meaning. Critics may think that the most famous painting of all time cannot simply be a woman smiling. They may think that if it is so famous, there has to be a deeper meaning, as most works of art contain.

I believe that any interpretation can be correct. There is not enough detail given in the picture to ensure that only one explanation is correct. A painting is like poetry. There can be many different interpretations that make sense – there is no single, right answer. If one person believes Mona Lisa is a self-portrait of da Vinci, who is to say that answer is wrong? The only one who knew da Vinci’s exact intention of the painting is da Vinci himself. Now the painting remains open to question and interpretation. I think all theories within the essay by Harris make sense. They are all possibilities.

The example of Camille Paglia’s view makes sense. She states, “What Mona Lisa is ultimately saying is that males are unnecessary.” Like every other interpretation in the essay, this is understandable. Paglia most likely got the theory from what is described as a “enigmatic, tight-lipped smile.” Her smile is not too jubilant or pleasant. Rather it is confident and comfortable. The same goes for her stature. Her posture is very strong and relaxed. She appears content, but not ecstatic. Paglia may have gotten her theory because Mona Lisa looks strong on her own. She does not need a male to appear relaxed or content. Rather, she manages that on her own. Yet this is only one interpretation that works well. We will never know da Vinci’s true meaning he intended behind the painting. We can only continue to contribute more ideas and possibilities.