The Mona Lisa by Leonardo daVinci

The Mona Lisa is widely renowned as the most well known oil painting in history. It's creator, Leonardo Da Vinci is probably equally well known, not only for his work in the arts, but his contributions to science, symbolism and modern theoretical thought. The reasons I chose this painting, were largely the same reasons that it is so internationally recognized. So much can be extracted from it's artist style and symbolism. The first in my view, is its use of largely cool, green colors. This creates an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue, much the same as the recognizable green tinted film used in the Matrix films. Some of the awkward representations of the environment also add to its curiously quixotic nature. The backround to the left of the subjects head is significantly lower than that of the right. Moreover, the subject itself has a relatively androgynous appearance, indicating possible transsexualism on the part of Da Vinci. Contrasting the common style of the time, the subject is also rather ordinary. She (he?) does not possess the angelic beauty of many other works of Da Vinci's contemporaries (i. e. Michaelangelo). The odd placement of the hands, as well as the almost complete lack of a bust further emphasize this point. So much can be extracted that it is difficult to not go on for pages. But I will show my strength by ending it right here. Peace.