Which artist created 'Mona Lisa'?

Which artist created 'Mona Lisa'?

• A. Leonardo da Vinci
• B. Michelangelo
• C. Raphael
• D. Donatello

Answer: (A)

Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa. This attribution rests on historical records from his workshop and the distinctive techniques he used, especially sfumato—the way soft edges and subtle tonal transitions create lifelike, smoky shading around the face and hands. The sitter’s enigmatic smile and the portrait’s balanced composition with a distant, atmospheric landscape are hallmarks of Leonardo’s approach to capturing inner mood and realistic light. The painting’s provenance—its long association with Leonardo and its place in the French royal collection before ending up in the Louvre—further supports this attribution. The other artists listed are celebrated for different kinds of work: Michelangelo is best known for sculpture and large frescoes, Raphael for harmonious, idealized portraits and Vatican frescoes, Donatello for pioneering sculpture. Their styles and most famous pieces differ from the Mona Lisa, making Leonardo the best match for this work.

Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa. This attribution rests on historical records from his workshop and the distinctive techniques he used, especially sfumato—the way soft edges and subtle tonal transitions create lifelike, smoky shading around the face and hands. The sitter’s enigmatic smile and the portrait’s balanced composition with a distant, atmospheric landscape are hallmarks of Leonardo’s approach to capturing inner mood and realistic light. The painting’s provenance—its long association with Leonardo and its place in the French royal collection before ending up in the Louvre—further supports this attribution. The other artists listed are celebrated for different kinds of work: Michelangelo is best known for sculpture and large frescoes, Raphael for harmonious, idealized portraits and Vatican frescoes, Donatello for pioneering sculpture. Their styles and most famous pieces differ from the Mona Lisa, making Leonardo the best match for this work.