Leonardo da Vinci's

DaVinci's Mona Lisa

Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre museum in France by an Italian waiter, Vincenzo Peruggia, on this date in 1911. The painting dates from the early 16th century. Da Vinci supposedly worked on the painting for about three years, during a stay in Florence. Though no one is sure who the subject of the painting was, most speculate that it was the wife of a wealthy Florentine merchant, Lisa del Giaconda. The Italians call the painting La Giaconda, meaning "light-hearted woman." The Mona Lisa was recovered two years after it disappeared. Peruggia was found guilty and served less than two years in jail.

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From our Archives: Today's Highlights, August 21, 2008