Great Art Explained totally unique merchandise (including Mona Lisa) available here - crowdmade.com/collections/gre...
Who is Mona Lisa? Is it a self-portrait? Why doesn't she have eyebrows? Is she only famous because she was stolen? How do we know what Leonardo was thinking?
James Payne discusses the Mona Lisa in a special extended film. If you enjoyed the 15-minute film, then don't miss this one. Lots of new information, presented with just the facts. No conspiracy theories or nonsense in this film, just straight forward information.
Since releasing my first film on the Mona Lisa over a year ago, I have been amazed at the response. This is the more comprehensive version I always wanted to do, that uses some of the information from the first film (but in higher resolution with better sound and with clearer graphics), as well as answering the hundreds of questions my first film generated.
Subscribe and click the bell icon to be notified!
kzhead.info/tools/ePD.html...
Please consider supporting this channel on Patreon, thanks! www.patreon.com/user?u=53686503
Or if you prefer a one off donation - www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_...
I would like to thank all my Patreon supporters, in particular Alexander Velser, David Abreu, Christa Sawyer Eric Mann, Jemma Theivendran, Pawel Juszczyk, Sherri Bearden, Tobias Haueise and Tyler Wittreich.
"What a brilliant series this is" - Stephen Fry on Twitter 12 December 2020
CREDITS
SUBTITLES
I input the English subtitles myself but I rely on volunteers to do subtitles for other languages and I really appreciate it - just contact me at jamespayne33@hotmail.com
Chinese Subtitles by Charles Xue
Brazilian subtitles by Tibério Valença Ribeiro
Dutch Subtitles by Bart Vergouwe
Title Sequence by Brian Adsit (instagram instagram.com/brian_vfx?... and Behance www.behance.com/badsit88)
All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them.
FILMS
Spolvero technique - • Lo spolvero - Tecniche...
Der Raub der Mona Lisa (1931) ©Super-Film
Napoléon by Abel Gance (1927) ©Gaumont
Being Human (Dr Margaret Livingstone) - Brilliant lecture - • Being Human | Margaret...
Nick winter et la vol de la Joconde ©Paul Garbagni
BOOKS
Mona Lisa: The People and the Painting (brilliant book) : Kemp, Martin Kemp, Giuseppe Pallanti
Mona Lisa Revealed - Guiseppe Pallantini
Mona Lisa: The History of the world's most famous painting - Sassoon
Leonardo Da Vinci - Walter Isaacson
The Complete Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci - Paul Richter (editor)
Stealing the Mona Lisa Main by Darian Leader
Lumière on The Mona Lisa: Hidden Portraits by Pascal Cotte
Music: Puccini's "O mio Babbino Caro" and Bach "Golberf Variations"
"Theme" music: JS Bach “Sonata for violin solo No.1 in G Minor”
Windsor and Newton Video (great resource for artists!) - www.youtube.com/watch?v=AozJ-...
All multi-spectra scanned images ©Pascal Cotte
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Great Art Explained totally unique merchandise available here - crowdmade.com/collections/greatartexplained
My favorite version of the Mona Lisa is two pigs. Mona is a pink pig and Lisa is a black & white pig. Together they're more gorgeous and intelligent than any manmade painting out there.
It’s amazing how Mona Lisa is painted very precise and nothing as the video essay claims as a coincidence. Yet we dare to see the world and the universe’s order, systems, & laws are a there is no coincidence. Science claims there is no intelligence behind it. Our reasoning is seriously distorted.
So strange, been studying Da Vinci since Shakespeare. Every time, I learning something new.
11:13 - I've never seen her eyes like this....
Great
"The Mona Lisa is an image that has become so familiar that it has been stripped of meaning." So true. Thank you for bringing some of that meaning back to life for us.
And bringing this meaning back as well to an extraordinary person such as Da Vinci!
It is an important painting, but it is disproportionally glorified. By today's standard, most people wouldn't consider Mona Lisa a beautiful woman.
It became familiar just because it was stolen and caused a drama between two countries. Simple as that.
@@seanleith5312 that's not the interesting thing about it..
@@seanleith5312 I think she is beautiful
What stood out for me in this video is how a Mona Lisa wouldn't have been possible if Leonardo was just a painter, and not a scientist, a philosopher, a physicist and everything else that he was. He is also a product of the Renaissance, but even in there he's far ahead of everyone else because of the sheer power of his curiosity which led him to be so interdisciplinary! Mona Lisa is a best representation of Da Vinci this way because nothing else will ever represent the wealth and breadth of his knowledge than this painting. Thankyou for this wonderful video. You have made me a Da Vinci fan. I'll definitely go and read up a lot more about him and Mona Lisa (of course!). Thankyou for this wonderful video again ❤️
Jack of all trades master of none.
Yes, all of this is exciting, but as for the character, it’s false. The truth that is being hidden from you is even more exciting.
You cant be one of those without the others
I took my 8 year old son to The Lourve and while waiting in the crazy long line to see the Mona Lisa we watched your video. It made him much more interested in the painting and a better experience overall. Keep it up!
That is so cool - thank you!
Thank you for raising a cultured child.
Adopt me, please 🥹
I don't know why, but I was expecting you to say "and by the time we'd waited in the crazy long line to see the Mona Lisa, he was 9"
@@GreatArtExplained when I was young I looked exactly like her!
The comparing of the Prado to the original is just fascinating.
That was something I never knew and I am glad I know now
@@richardb22 it reminds me of Rodin's Thinker and its many originals, in the sense that he himself tasked a team to make various versions of the Thinker and thus there isn't really a true *original*
Honestly that was my favorite part, imagining what it would look like when it was painted.
Prado's Mona Lisa gave me goosebumps
@@sandheeprajkumar5061 I have seen that painting too maybe 30 years ago in its original black background, absolutely fascinating - there was no glass or any other protection, I could have touched the painting if I wanted to
To say that the Mona Lisa was famous merely because it was stolen undermines the inherent brilliance of the painting and Leonardo himself. And the fact that her smile comes and goes depending on whether or not you’re looking at her eyes is perhaps the greatest visual illusion in art history. Great work as always!
That effect of shifting expression is common if you stare at portraits in low light conditions
@@katethegoat7507its not about how common it is, its about how Leo knows how to do it in his times
Before it was stolen, it brought no attention to itself. Still an impressive portrait, but check out what she's watching on the opposite wall. That is an impressive painting
It is still the main reason though. Not taking anything away from this masterful mind.
The comparison to other paintings of the era shows how miraculously advanced Da Vinci's work really was, it certainly transcended the time, by centuries even! But additionally his vast knowledge and endless curiosity were the primary reason his work stands out above all. It's hard to think of another artist, or even another person, who so thoroughly investigated all aspects of the world and made so many original observations and contributions. Thanks so much for sharing these fascinating insights and deepening knowledge and appreciation of his work.
As an expert on Leonardo I always challenge people to name a unique observation or invention by Leonardo. In fact there is only one. He was the first person known to correctly calculate how large a parachute would need to be effective after several failed attempts by other inventors.
After watching several of the "Great Art Explained" videos I can enthusiastically say that this is a truly brilliant series. This is university quality art history that is made freely available to any who care to watch and think. But so what? What practical value could this possibly have for anybody not planning to be another art history professor teaching another generation of art history professors? The value is this: Great art (whether it be painting, sculpture, literature, poetry, music, dance or anything else) has the power to rescue us from "lives of quiet desperation." What could be more important?
Simply wonderful. You brought back the appreciation that should be given to this beautiful piece of art away from the ridiculous conspiracy theories and such. We are back to enjoying her beauty and the genius behind her. Thank you so much.
"In an era in which we are bombarded with images, it is more important than ever to stop ... and look again!". To that I say amen! This is exactly what your videos do so well. I truly appreciate your part in helping to keep the centuries long communication between teachers and students of the arts going!
DaVinci was a man of many layers, multiple talents - so far ahead of his time. Mankind owes a debt of gratitude for his genius and his contributions. Thank you, Leonardo.
The words, the tone, the pace...this whole piece is so so soothing
I visited the Louvre today and saw her. I paid for the audio tour which DID NOT do her justice and am disappointed I didn’t see this before going. I’ve debated on going back. Thank you for this!
If you go back - get ticket online and get there before it opens, then as soon as they open RUN directly to her - it will be about 30 minutes before the tourists catch up and you’ll have time on your own with her!
This is one of the best channels on KZhead. Amazing job as always
My god-this is as deep and masterly an analysis as befits this art masterpiece for the ages. This is a legacy narrative that’ll enshrine how the Mona Lisa should be viewed and appreciated. I’ll never, ever again take the Mona Lisa for granted. Perhaps, even Da Vinci is smiling with this scholarly narrative of his beloved painting. Your choice of Puccini’s passionate aria “O Mio Babbino Caro” (My Love For Which I Suffer) towards the end to serenade this treasure is so apt, a truly romantic touch. Many thanks, indeed for this exquisite video.
Thanks! 🙏
I visited the Louvre as a teenager and had the same "is that it" reaction that you mentioned. After watching your video, I now feel such awe for this masterpiece, a testament of Da Vinci's pure passion and genius. I cannot wait to see it once again with new eyes and a new perspective and appreciation.
I still feel like is that it reaction to this video. Don’t get the big deal out of it honestly. Ppl r mad
Would love to see it!
Me too
When I first found your original video on the Mona Lisa I thought there was no way that any other analysis of this work could be so deep and so well-done. And yet, you not only matched the original, but surpassed it. This series is such a gift and a delight; every new video is something I look forward to each month! If I could be so bold as to make a recommendation, I would love to see your take on the work of one of my favorite artists: Florine Stettheimer, specifically her Cathedrals of New York series.
Thanks for the awesome comment Kevin - and for the suggestion! Her work is amazing 🙏
OK, I'll watch it then. (was confused what this one was)
"In an era in which we are bombarded with images, it is more important than ever to STOP, and look again"- exactly when I got goosebumps. Take a bow you narrator, you deserve it Sir.
I fell in love with your channel and watched every video :)
Thanks so much!
The ending had me in tears for some reason , the work you've done , can not be thanked enough , I fell in love w the art and how an artist thinks even more
I had the same reaction, specially those two words when he mentioned, Imagination & Intelligence combined.. Arts & Science combined... I feel the same way about how this video has been structured... Beautiful, extremely interesting and educational!
If David Attenborough would talk about art - this would be it! I am the holder of a Bachelor's degree in art history, but I've never seen something like this... it feels like I'm experiencing pure emotion in front of my screen. And YES - your video about Monet's Water Lilies made me cry... please don't leave us
Oh thanks Rea 🙏
"The holder of a bachelor's degree in art history" Well, there's good money flushed down the toilet.
My reaction was "WTF"(excuse my language) - a man 500years ago, no textbook, no KZhead tutorials, let alone experts of the fields touched here, he not only discovered but understood and applied to art. It's not humanly possible - it shakes me to the core. I didn't know much about The Mona Lisa, but with only a 30minute introduction to it has blown me away. It's insane (not in a derogatory sense).
Ah, James! You gave me the chills with this one. Brilliant and passionate. Thank you. 🖼 🎨 🖌
Thanks 🙏
Your insight is such a precious gift to everyone who sees or hears your work.
Thanks so much!
This channel is a gift to students and teachers everywhere
The video is a gold standard for any informational content: 1. making us care by creating a great story 2. connecting the dots, crafting new meaning out of the vaguely familiar 3. executing with high verbal and visual quality Thank you for this!
Thanks for your analysis, i do agree,
You my friend, are a genius. In a world that is lacking caring for great art, is it a pleasure to know that you are in the corner deceiving the inarticulate esoteric beauties that are going to into oblivion. One of the best videos on KZhead I have ever watched.
I swear I teared up at the end. Beautiful essay. You did right by both the painting and the painter.
Thanks 🙏
If I go to the Luvre Museum and see Mona Lisa, I think your voice will ring in my ears. Thanks a lot for stupendous comment on this one of a kind masterpiece.
Thank you! Your research is so impressive! You created such a captivating video, i “must” bring it to my students during my art class. More than 150 Romanian kids will now discover this masterpiece thanks to you.
That’s awesome - I wish it had Romanian subtitles - james 🙏
I don't know why i chuckle when you said "that indeed the Mona Lisa once had eyebrows". Thank much for the in depth analysis, so fascinating. I always look forward to learning more from your content
13:35 I’m here for the eyebrow question! 💅🏽🤔
I clicked on this so fast lmao. I friggin love this series and this is of my favorite channels on YT! The full-length video on ‘The Garden of Earthly Delights’ is amazing. Keep up the great work!
Words could not describe how fascinating, insightful and colorful this extended video was of Lisa. Thank you so much!
Thank you for shedding light on this masterpiece. In a world of conflict and violence I believe art ,like music, is the best tonic for the soul. Will pass on your video to my grandchildren.
I am stunned - Your channel and videos deserve SO MUCH MORE RECOGNITION. This is University-level art history content, and so well produced! Fabulous job, I've learned so much! (Always wondered about the eyebrows haha)
Thanks 🙏
Name checks out.
@@GreatArtExplained 1¹😀🧔🧔🧔
@@GreatArtExplained I looked just like her when young
This might be one of the best channels on KZhead, this video is just amazing I literally had goosebumps at the end. Keep doing these amazing videos! Thank you so much!
I was spellbound from the minute the video started. Thank you ever so much for your detailed analysis of such an exquisite painting and its even more exquisite painter. The content of your commentary, its pacing, enunciation and the images that accompany it make a perfect medley and I thank you for all the time, effort and care that you give every essay of yours. ❤️
Thanks 🙏
@@GreatArtExplained you're welcome! And thank you for replying!
The difference between the first Mona Lisa vid and this one, is amazing. Just the audio quality upgrade alone is so good!
I appreciate that comment thanks 🙏
"Mona Lisa is relaxed". I guess you'd have to be when you are posing for the painting for 16 years! ;-) J/K but did wander how long the posing part took and how much detail was captured (outline, facial expression, colors, shadows, etc.). Couldn't just take a snapshot back then, so how many hours / days / weeks / months did it take for Leonardo to tell Lisa "Alright, I've got all I need, you can go home now. Come back in about 15 years and show you what you looked like when you can't yourself remember."
Have to be honest. Was never really into “fine art”. Your videos and combination of history and art critique are changing that. Fantastic work.
I'm always fascinated by these documentaries.
Leonardo is such a fascinating figure and the Mona Lisa an equally fascinating painting. I loved your first video on the Mona Lisa and this one managed to best it. Well done and please, keep up the great work. 🙏
Thanks 🙏
This is hands down one of the greatest you tube videos I've ever seen. Not only because of the deapth of analysis you offer, but through your narration, its evident how sincerely passionate you are about the work you do. The editing, the zoom in zoom outs to help us get a better sense of the painting, the way the video is structured, is all pure art ❣️ keep doing this work. Absolutely phenomenal.
I knew Da Vinci was a genius but never knew the extent until I watched this, and the way you built the context of his genius wirh regard to this masterpiece is amazing in itself. Thank you for this video. I agree with a comment that this should be played in the Louvre.
I now finally understand why the Mona Lisa is considered great art, thank you. This video is excellent.
Wonderful! Thank you, James.
This video itself is a masterpiece
Absolute brilliant, astonishingly enlightening. Thank you again for golden 30 minutes of pure fascination.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I got to see a Da Vinci in Chicago once. It’s instantaneous that you realize how much better it is than paintings from his time and even hundreds of years later.
I just loose track of time whilst watching your insightful videos!! What you are doing is simply marvelous!!
Thanks 🙏
Thank you so much for this information. I saw her many years ago in the Louvre. I will never forget the reverant silence that was so notable as I approached her, and waited for my turn to view her. She is magnificent.
Exceptionally well made deconstruction of the world’s most famous painting. Leonardo’s techniques were way ahead of his time.
Leonardo Da Vinci's workis still a mystery yet to be fully unveiled and further revealed & you took us a step forward in the revelation of the Mystery that Leonardo represents. Hoping to see more videos by you on Leonardo's other masterpieces like Last Supper etc. This one is Much Appreciated! Thanks.
I just wanted to thank the creator of this video, and all the videos on this channel really, for all the hard work put into this. And now we can all appreciate the Mona Lisa for what it is! Because although I knew it had been stolen, I had no idea about all the other parts of the story!
Thanks 🙏
Superb James. Thanks for posting another brilliant video.
Thanks 🙏
Very interesting indeed. I didn't come here with a particular interest in da Vinci or Mona Lisa, but more to get informed about a classical element outside my subcultural sphere. But, the remarkable artist aside, as I was looking intently at her face, it struck me that it was changing before you even started talking about it, and it fascinated me (as did the explanation). And so I leave with a little bit of education, and an increased appreciation for the object itself. Thanks.
This is such a masterpiece, same to this video as well.
Thanks 🙏
Please leave a comment (even a short one) and "like" the video. It really helps promote the channel on KZhead. I appreciate it! James
This videos is awesome
Dear Great Art Explained. Thanks a lot
A masterpiece of an explanation
Mona lisa= Isabella Darragona( Cathalan princess) Mona lisa background= Montserrat mountains Leo Battista Alberti= Leo Baptista Albert,
This was the most brilliant video of any kind that I've watched for some time. Amazing...
I'm glad to hear someone explain and show me how and why this painting is so great. I've always been convinced that it was kinda overated and that its crazy history once in the Louvre was the sole reason of its succes. But you proved me wrong and now the greatness of every detail in this painting can't be unseen. Thank you for that. In a sense it would made PERFECT sense that the greatest and most known painting in history would have both a crazy history explaining in part its succes but also intrinsic huge qualities and marvelous technics. It is great to know how much was poured into this painting, how much it made both Da Vinci and the world of painting evolved. And know it is only logical to me (and trust me it was not during a long time) that people wait so long into a line to watch her. One day I'll go back to the Louvre during the evening and try to spend more time with her.
I'll be honest, I've been aware of the Mona Lisa since childhood. I'm currently 63yrs. old and I never understood the fascination surrounding the painting... Evan after studying Leonardo and learning of his great mind, his intellect and accomplishments i always considered Mona Lisa a 'mediocre' piece of art; in fact I always that Leonardo's 'heart' wasn't into it and he didn't give it his 'all'. But after hearing your analysis, I now understand just how wrong I was!!!... I now 'see' her with new eyes and truly do recognize just what an amazing work of art she truly is....
Thanks for such a nice comment 🙏
One of my Favorite paintings...And for me Most beautiful 😍💓🖼️💞👏👏👏👏👏
Thanks for watching
This channel is a treasure, amazing content, 32 minutes and I've never checked the timeline.
Thanks 🙏
The color in the “updated” version is very exciting and satisfying to me. It is how I imagine Leonardo would have seen her and conveyed that vision in his work. Thank you for sharing that possibility with us!
This channel is the Mona Lisa of youtube, amazing work! 😇
Ah I'm so happy! When I first discovered this channel, the 15 min time stamp was what attracted me towards it, but as I fell in love with these videos and the artworks featured in them, that very time stamp began feeling like a hindrance. I wanted to hear your analyses of these artworks for much longer. I'm so happy and grateful for this "sequel". Hoping you become more comfortable with these 30 min time stamps!
I am a person that doesn't believe that most abstract drawings or art is art at all but in spite of that I believe that this video educated me on why some people are over-the-moon about certain art works. Bravo!
My favorite painting of all time. The back story makes me appreciate the people involved in the masterpiece. Thank you so much for your work.
This video alone has informed me more about the genius of Vinci than anything I have ever read and seen about him. To bring science and art together in such a beautiful painting is indeed genius. Thank you!
Superbly done: this is a profile based not only on extensive knowledge but also on the personal emotional appeal of the painting. Your presentation is spot-on in its slow pace, pared-down commentary (not easy to do!) and inviting but respectful tone. Other profiles I have watched turn academic; that does not happen here. Your production is as skilful as the painting itself - appealing, fascinating, engrossing, with much left to explore again and again. All the great arts do this, and fortunate are we to observe. Thank you; 5 stars.
The last part of the video made me so emotional!Me who detests this piece of Art.This video was a shock to me.Mona Lisa was a painting that never made me motivated to look for info or anything.Well,i still don’t like it but the least i can say is that i admire this piece of Art and even more Leonardo Da Vinci.
Gosh Leonard Di Vinci is so genius to study science, art, poem, moon light the paint bravo very interesting
Absolutely amazing. This certainly is the best and most comprehensive documentary about Mona Lisa that I have ever seen. Thank you for this incredibly educational video. Comparison with copies made at the same time in Leonardo's studio is brilliant. It lets us apprehend how the painting looked in its prime. I wonder if you will ever consider discussing pre-14th century art. I am looking forward to your analysis of masterpieces from Antiquity. Art topic is so vast that there are for years of video. I wouldn't complain about it.
Thanks 🙏
One of your best, James. I couldn't look away throughout the video. Thank you very much.
Excellent video, that new intro is awesome, by the way.
Not in a long did I sit through a 32 min video with complete focus and admiration. This is eye opening. Thanks for showcasing the nuances of Mona Lisa and Da Vinci. This was the therapy session I needed. Very well produced!
I love the detail of the introductory having no music, only bg noises when, as u said, the painting has "no drama."
This has got to be one of your best videos. Truly insightful due to the depth you have ventured. I have enjoyed and learned every moment of it. Thank you very much for this video.
You do an amazing job of dissecting the techniques of creating the art and sharing the context in which it was created. Thanks for sharing!
It's always fascinating to dive deep into the history and details of iconic artworks like the Mona Lisa! Understanding the background, the artist's intentions, and the various interpretations can really enhance our appreciation of such a masterpiece. It's incredible how much a single painting can reveal about an era, artistic techniques, and even mysteries that have captivated art enthusiasts for centuries! 🎨🌟
I am DEVOURING your videos. I'm in awe at the work you've put into these episodes. Thank you so much!
Such an amazing explanation of the piece, I’m so glad I found your channel!
Thank you James. A fantastic update to an already wonderful video!
Thanks so much!
I remember commenting on one of your videos that if you ever post full-length videos like this, it would be fantastic. So yeah, it's fantastic, wonderful, and amazing. Thank you so much.
Thank you for explaining in detail how the Mona Lisa was created. It is truly a masterpiece. I truly hope to see it in person soon.
Thank you! This was so wonderful!
so thrilled to see a new work of art upload, so much more of the most famous painting. thank you!
I was preparing myself mentally for a portrait of a friend of her birthday and this certainly helped me think in more ways about the human face and beauty.
the absolute genius of Leonardo Da Vinci.....I have no words. How absolutely wonderful.
Such an excellent review of a classic painting. Bravo! Fascinating vignette.
I can't have enough of this good stuff!!! Please keep on this amazing work!
Thanks 🙏
This was so refreshing to watch. Just perfectly created and explained. Thankyou for this extremely valuable experience.
You are talking about art with such a great love! Thank you 😊 I could barely hold my tears
Love the Video. Great work. Thank you James 🙏🏾💯🙏🏾
Thank you 🙏
What a brilliant discussion of the Mona Lisa. Thanks so much.
Thanks 🙏
@@GreatArtExplained You are very welcome. The scholarship behind your videos is really impressive. As is your passion for art.
So precious in the eyes and hearts for those who has the ability to see "ART is the language of one' s imagination down to his heart unto the hands"
All of your videos ar so amazing. Thank you for making them, i think i've watch them all.
Love the new opening sequence you have!
27:05 THANK you, for the love of God, thank you!! 😭 Im so tired of debating with dead-certain people who know very little art history but think they do because they read a random crappy article of "art facts" on facebook!
Beautiful video, made by people who truly adore art and has the sensibility to transmit this emotion to the large public, which I'm part of.
An excellent video-thanks!! A few points worth mentioning: her smile is a pun on her name. Giocondo is an old Italian word for happiness (we still use "gioco" for "game" and "giocatolo" for "toy"). Leonardo loved making visual puns (the juniper bush-ginepro-behind Ginevra dei Benci, for example). We are insensive today to the fact that the Mona Lisa was the most realistic painting anybody had ever seen before. His sfumato gives atmosphere and realism to objects that were impossible with the neatly coloured-in, clear outlines that were used by everybody up until Leonardo. We must be careful with Vasari: he is usually wrong. More to the point, we should remember that he never saw the Mona Lisa; it was long gone to France by Vasari's time.