This painting, perhaps the worl's most famous portrait, has generated more nonsense than any other art-work in history. Thousands upon thousands of lines have been written about it; ecstasies have reached heavenly levels; men have seen in the subject's eyes all of the world that has been and all of the world that is to be. This may be delightful fantasy, enjoyable daydreaming, even good writting, but as critism it is dense and a sickening pretense.

"Mona Lisa" is an unfinished portrait executed in a manner that was common to many painters of the Italian Renaissance. The picture, in terms of painting itself, is confused in its treatment; it gives the impression of a work whose elaboration was too far extented. The subject is not without psychological interest. The treatment of the mouth, upturned at the ends, makes the subject seem quizzical and curious. Legend has it that Leonardo had musicians present at all times to sustain the peculiar mood of his subject.

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