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Disciplinary Relationships Summative
Assessment
Lisa Babcock
University of Massachusetts Global
HUMC 110: Disciplinary Relationships
Dr. Debrah Zipnick

Applying the study of history,
philosophy, and fine arts to analyze
the Mona Lisa's cultural message.

Introduction
The Mona Lisa, also known as Leonardo Da
Vinci's Portrait of Lisa Gherardini, is the
piece of art I have chosen for my final
assignment. This Painting is located in the
Louvre Museum in the Salle des États, the
largest room in the palace. In this paper, I
would like to show how the path of this
Painting connects us to modern-day culture.
ThePhoto by PhotoAuthor is licensed under CCYYSA.

Personal
Connections
to the Painting
Named after the Mona Lisa, the
connection runs deep as it represents a
part of my Italian heritage. Visiting the
Louvre and experiencing the painting
firsthand solidified its significance,
making it not just art but a family legacy.

Project Objectives
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under
CC BY-SA
This project aims to analyze the
interdisciplinary relationships between art,
history, and culture through the lens of the
Mona Lisa. By exploring its impact on
modern society, we aim to demonstrate its
ongoing relevance and the dialogue it
creates between disciplines.

Leonardo da Vinci
The Visionary Genius
“Vitruvian Man” circa 1492 by Leonardo da Vinci. Ink and Wash on Paper. Gallerie dell’Accademia. (Photographer: Luc
Viatour)

“It had long since come to my attention that people of
accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to
them. They went out and happened to things.”
– Leonardo da Vinci
8

Biography of
Leonardo da Vinci
In his day, Leonardo da Vinci was regarded as a
genius. He was an artist, inventor, scientist, engineer,
Philosopher, anatomist, Philosopher, engineer,
scientist, and inventor.
Born in 1452, Leonardo da Vinci began painting the
Mona Lisa in 1503, when Leonardo was 50 years old
and living in Florence.
Leonardo da Vinci may have continued to work on it
as late as 1517, although some believe he still had not
finished the painting by his death in 1519.
In 1517, King Francis I invited Leonardo to France.
He was given an apartment in the Cloux palace and a
salary. The King also gave Leonardo the titles of royal
painter, architect, and mechanic.
Leonardo passed in 1519 in Cloux, surrounded by the
King's court (Justin, 2023). Since 1797, the picture has
been permanently displayed in the Louvre Museum
in Paris and is currently owned by the French
Republic.
(Livingstone, 2022)

Contextual
Background of the
Mona Lisa
The Florentine trader Francesco di Bartolomeo
del Giocondo, a man of refined taste,
commissioned Leonardo to paint a portrait of
his wife in 1503. Mona Lisa was painted during
the Italian Renaissance, an age of rebirth in arts
and culture. Da Vinci's research in realism and
expression portrayed the mysterious essence of
Lisa Gherardini, becoming an eternal symbol of
beauty and mystery (Campbell, 2022).

Connection to Fine
Arts
The Mona Lisa, which is 30 inches tall by 20
inches broad and was painted in oil on a poplar
wood panel, is traditionally thought to depict the
Italian noblewoman Lisa de Giocondo (Luca
Uzielli et al., 2011). “The Last Supper,” from 1495 until 1498 by Leonardo
da Vinci. Tempera on gesso, pitch, and mastic, 15ft by
28.8 ft. Santa Maria delle Grazie. (Public Domain)

Artistic
Technique
Leonardo created a perfect balance of
harmony connecting humanity and
nature. Some say that Leonardo used the
sfumato technique (to evaporate like
smoke) to blur her mouth to allow for
multiple interpretations. The intricate
brushstrokes and thoughtful
arrangement of the Mona Lisa enhance
her mysterious smile, evoking various
interpretations (Livingstone, 2000).

Da Vinci's
Influence on Art
and Science
Leonardo's multidisciplinary method,
which combined artistic expression with
scientific research, set a standard for
future generations. His research on
nature and anatomy established the
groundwork for contemporary scientific
illustration, demonstrating the
harmonious coexistence of art and
science.

Cultural and
Historical Impact
The Mona Lisa is a cultural icon, symbolizing
artistic greatness and a blend of history,
celebrity, and the human experience.
In their latest music video, "The Carters," the
artists stand before the Mona Lisa by Leonardo
Da Vinci. The scene—although seemingly a
measure of the artists' own success—also
serves to point out the continuing impact of the
Mona Lisa and its relation to modern times.
Beyonce, 2018, THE CARTERS - APESHIT, [video], YouTube,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbMqWXnpXcA

Legacy of the Mona
Lisa
As one of the most recognized artworks in
history, the Mona Lisa's legacy transcends time.
It has influenced countless artists and inspired
literature. It is frequently referenced in popular
culture, affirming its status as a touchstone of
artistic achievement.

Exploration of
Celebrity Culture
The Mona Lisa demonstrates the concept of
celebrity in art. With its massive popularity,
the painting has become a symbol of
success, often associated with the success of
celebrity culture. It influences how artwork is
perceived and used in contemporary society.

Global Significance
and Art Theft
Incidents
The Mona Lisa's theft in 1911 brought
unprecedented global attention to the
painting (Charney, 2024). Various attempts
to vandalize or steal the artwork highlight
its cultural significance, revealing how art
can represent broader societal values and
provoke political statements (Decker, 1932).

Timeline
1503
Leonardo da Vinci begins
painting the Mona Lisa
1911
Mona Lisa stolen from the Louvre
by Vincenzo Peruggia
1956
Mona Lisa damaged by vandal’s
acid and rock
2019
Mona Lisa moved to a temporary
gallery in the Louvre
2024
Iconic status and continued
display

References
Decker, K. (1932). Why and How the Mona Lisa Was Stolen. Saturday Evening Post, 204(52), 14–92.
Charney, N. (2024). The Thefts of the Mona Lisa. https://doi.org/10.5771/9781538181379
Livingstone, J. (2022). Leonardo da Vinci. Salem Press Biographical Encyclopedia.
Luca Uzielli, Gril, J., Cocchi, L., Julien Colmars, Paolo Dionisi Vici, Dureisseix, D., … Remond, R. (2011). Experimental studies on the
wooden support of the “Mona Lisa.” HAL (Le Centre Pour La Communication Scientifique Directe).
https://doi.org/10.13140/2.1.1021.1525
Campbell, J. (2022). Mona Lisa. Salem Press Encyclopedia.
Justin, R. J. D. (2023). Leonardo da Vinci. Leonardo Da Vinci, 1–N.PAG.
Beyonce, 2018, THE CARTERS - APESHIT, [video], YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbMqWXnpXcA
19

Thank you
Lisa Babcock
lbabcock@mail.umassglobal.ed
u
“The Last Supper,” from 1495 until 1498 by Leonardo da Vinci. Tempera on gesso, pitch, and mastic, 15ft by 28.8 ft. Santa Maria delle
Grazie. (Public Domain)

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