Mona Lisa (Full Length): Great Art Explained

My other channel, Great Books Explained here - / @greatbooksexplained371
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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!
www.youtube.co....
Please consider supporting this channel on Patreon, thanks! www.patreon.co...
Or if you prefer a one off donation - www.paypal.com...
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 [e-mail]
Chinese Subtitles by Charles Xue
Brazilian subtitles by Tibério Valença Ribeiro
Dutch Subtitles by Bart Vergouwe
Title Sequence by Brian Adsit (instagram ... 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.co....
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.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Great Art Explained totally unique merchandise available here - crowdmade.com/collections/greatartexplained

[@paulheydarian1281]

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.

[@DonPedroIXIV]

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.

[@RBYW1234]

So strange, been studying Da Vinci since Shakespeare. Every time, I learning something new.

[@RBYW1234]

11:13 - I've never seen her eyes like this....

[@zinatukashiqinzainuddin-tn9qj]

Great

[@KarlBunker]

"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.

[@binarybotany3218]

And bringing this meaning back as well to an extraordinary person such as Da Vinci!

[@seanleith5312]

It is an important painting, but it is disproportionally glorified. By today's standard, most people wouldn't consider Mona Lisa a beautiful woman.

[@johnylalrina1451]

It became familiar just because it was stolen and caused a drama between two countries. Simple as that.

[@Bestmann3n]

@@seanleith5312 that's not the interesting thing about it..

[@irenedavo3768]

@@seanleith5312 I think she is beautiful

[@clintoncarroll3400]

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!

[@GreatArtExplained]

That is so cool - thank you!

[@fenixrising1972]

Thank you for raising a cultured child.

[@v.ra.]

Adopt me, please 🥹

[@HandbrakeBiscuit]

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"

[@irenedavo3768]

@@GreatArtExplained when I was young I looked exactly like her!

[@gauravnandantripathi9554]

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 ❤️

[@joshi6898]

Jack of all trades master of none.

[@josepcivil8090]

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.

[@pierren___]

You cant be one of those without the others

[@monicab8400]

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!

[@katethegoat7507]

That effect of shifting expression is common if you stare at portraits in low light conditions

[@gktte2574]

@@katethegoat7507its not about how common it is, its about how Leo knows how to do it in his times

[@YouMakeItHappen]

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

[@kimgysen10]

It is still the main reason though. Not taking anything away from this masterful mind.

[@Harrokacharro]

It became a household name after 1911, but this painting had already been famous. It was considered a unique masterpiece right from the beginning, first by Leonardo himself who took it wherever he went, then by the Kings and Emperors who wanted to possess it.

[@branmar]

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?

[@BobMukhopadhyay]

"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.

[@korwinkressmann425]

"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!

[@texasdemocrat1969]

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.

[@lakshita8386]

The words, the tone, the pace...this whole piece is so so soothing

[@SamSphinx]

The comparing of the Prado to the original is just fascinating.

[@richardb22]

That was something I never knew and I am glad I know now

[@SamSphinx]

@@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*

[@jennw6809]

Honestly that was my favorite part, imagining what it would look like when it was painted.

[@sandheeprajkumar5061]

Prado's Mona Lisa gave me goosebumps

[@stardomee]

@@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

[@horvathsz]

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!

[@madeleineblu]

Thanks for your analysis, i do agree,

[@חנהגלפנד]

You brought me to tears. What a beautiful way to celebrate the greatest Leonardo and his amazing gifts to humanity ❤

[@mahaswelem4120]

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.

[@josiahsmusicaccount]

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.

[@Gyggz]

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.

[@supermon87]

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!

[@GreatArtExplained]

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!

[@briandubois-gilbert8182]

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.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks! 🙏

[@marianthi0703]

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.

[@healingandgrowth-infp4677]

I still feel like is that it reaction to this video. Don’t get the big deal out of it honestly. Ppl r mad

[@irenedavo3768]

Would love to see it!

[@ambralus]

Me too

[@asteriaalanis09]

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

[@pictorya]

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!

[@keepitsimple9306]

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 KZbin I have ever watched.

[@reaterzin589]

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

[@GreatArtExplained]

Oh thanks Rea 🙏

[@SpicyTexan64]

"The holder of a bachelor's degree in art history" Well, there's good money flushed down the toilet.

[@trinitycasten4078]

@@SpicyTexan64education is never a waste of money😊

[@GreatArtExplained]

Please leave a comment (even a short one) and "like" the video. It really helps promote the channel on KZbin. I appreciate it! James

[@stephaniepage4334]

This videos is awesome

[@marynakrutikova1437]

Dear Great Art Explained. Thanks a lot

[@salvadorslim3234]

A masterpiece of an explanation

[@xavisanchez7522]

Mona lisa= Isabella Darragona( Cathalan princess) Mona lisa background= Montserrat mountains Leo Battista Alberti= Leo Baptista Albert,

[@sowhat914]

This was the most brilliant video of any kind that I've watched for some time. Amazing...

[@PadChennington]

This is one of the best channels on KZbin. Amazing job as always

[@Dancerfashionartista]

Listening to your narration is the only way I can cope with what's happening to us here in the U.S. Godspeed

[@kevinmcaleer6260]

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.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for the awesome comment Kevin - and for the suggestion! Her work is amazing 🙏

[@NebraskaSXHC]

OK, I'll watch it then. (was confused what this one was)

[@hooraayy]

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

[@susancasey6734]

Your insight is such a precious gift to everyone who sees or hears your work.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks so much!

[@gauravnandantripathi9554]

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.

[@therealwildfolk]

Have to be honest. Was never really into “fine art”. Your videos and combination of history and art critique are changing that. Fantastic work.

[@SuperMortiki]

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!

[@zazuzazz5419]

Ah, James! You gave me the chills with this one. Brilliant and passionate. Thank you. 🖼 🎨 🖌

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@ColinBates-w1i]

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?

[@Paul-dj2oy]

This might be one of the best channels on KZbin, this video is just amazing I literally had goosebumps at the end. Keep doing these amazing videos! Thank you so much!

[@EileenHall-j9f]

I’ve just found this. A sanctuary in this crazy world. Thank you.

[@AppreciativeViewer]

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)

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@jeremias-serus]

Name checks out.

[@motidar3951]

@@GreatArtExplained 1¹😀🧔🧔🧔

[@irenedavo3768]

@@GreatArtExplained I looked just like her when young

[@Pope_Khajiit]

I visited the Prado a few weeks ago, with the intention to see Bosch's Garden of Earthly Delights. Walking down to the end of the main hall I stopped at what I thought (from a distance) was The Last Supper. I turned left to talk to my partner and instead of commenting on the painting I exclaimed, "is that the f*cking Mona Lisa?!". And there she was, sitting lonely on a wall without a queue or passer by. Her gentle and inviting expression called me over to examine and experience her beauty. Wonderful story you've provided of the painting and Da Vinci. Personally, I consider the Prado version a Da Vinci approved copy as it was created at the same time as the Lourve's version and under the master's supervision. Would love if you could a do a video on the Prado museum. I was blown away at the number of masterpiece artworks and sculptures on display in the gallery. Or perhaps Goya's La Maja Desnuda?

[@dianacristinablinda8163]

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.

[@GreatArtExplained]

That’s awesome - I wish it had Romanian subtitles - james 🙏

[@bobbytirlea]

Words could not describe how fascinating, insightful and colorful this extended video was of Lisa. Thank you so much!

[@suddenwall]

This channel is a gift to students and teachers everywhere

[@xman870096]

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....

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks for such a nice comment 🙏

[@LithningWolf]

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.

[@stenka25]

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.

[@mona2242]

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.

[@aadijain222]

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!

[@CerxFouquet9]

My reaction was "WTF"(excuse my language) - a man 500years ago, no textbook, no KZbin 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).

[@giniwelle]

"Some greetings last longer than life..." the warmth of her eyes and the simplicity in her being must endure forever. That mysterious smile is the symbol of sheer defiance.

[@anitarosen5550]

I now finally understand why the Mona Lisa is considered great art, thank you. This video is excellent.

[@janedoe5229]

When I was young, I suppose in the 1970's, I saw a magazine ad for film. It basically said, "We give you two more frames on our roll of film". They had a young woman who looked like Mona Lisa, dressed like Mona Lisa, and in front of a background like Mona Lisa. They showed all the photos that they took that were "incorrect": smile too big, smile too small, blinking, etc., and then, with those last two, bonus frames, they got two perfect Mona Lisa shots. I wish I had torn out that ad and kept it.

[@kemsatofficial]

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.

[@eeyancovenant8460]

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.

[@jeffgross3779]

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. 🙏

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@joeyjoe7930]

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!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@mania462]

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.

[@user-by4cd1hd2y]

the absolute genius of Leonardo Da Vinci.....I have no words. How absolutely wonderful.

[@justadood69]

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!

[@marydonohoe8200]

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!

[@somehowimanage3902]

Exceptionally well made deconstruction of the world’s most famous painting. Leonardo’s techniques were way ahead of his time.

[@MariaVosa]

I swear I teared up at the end. Beautiful essay. You did right by both the painting and the painter.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@persiancarpet5234]

I fell in love with your channel and watched every video :)

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks so much!

[@paulandreigillesania5359]

I love the detail of the introductory having no music, only bg noises when, as u said, the painting has "no drama."

[@zissou4978]

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. ❤️

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@zissou4978]

@@GreatArtExplained you're welcome! And thank you for replying!

[@JosephTerterian]

This gave me goose bumps. Wow

[@michaeljohnangel6359]

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.

[@Westlake72]

This video is a mini-masterpiece all to itself.

[@kevind814]

"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."

[@italiana626sc]

I've always ALWAYS felt that she was smirking. Very likely because that's my own mindset most of the time. Maybe the beauty of this painting (and many others) - project your own reality here. Very glad I got to see her in person.

[@necroflowers2244]

I was watching this while folding clothes and my 9 year old son, sat down and watched it with me. He was familiar with the Mona Lisa particularly from the Mr. Peabody and Sherman movie, and he really enjoyed your in depth analysis. He never once got bored but really retained much of what was explained. Thank you for putting this content on KZbin, it is a refreshing to see how technology can aide in the appreciation and understanding of older artwork, and especially a great icon of art such as Da Vinci.

[@GreatArtExplained]

That’s really cool - thanks 🙏

[@JudithKiger]

This is a great documentary. I love shows like these that help bring historic masterpieces like these into the modern day.

[@zemunboy]

This channel is the Mona Lisa of youtube, amazing work! 😇

[@natalie651]

I loooove how you said at the end that in an era in which we are bombarded by images, we need to stop and take a good look. So true. Quality, artistry, creativity will not be taken away from us no matter how much the powers that be want that. Art is art. Genius is genius. And something in our souls tells us this. No matter how many times we see a "celebrity" on TV or hear a new "song," we know when it's art and we know when it's shit. And if we don't, we have work to do before we cease being a person of substance.

[@joshuapatrick682]

It’s strange but when I look into her eyes to me her smile becomes more pronounced.

[@ultrasparc]

I'm 41. This video satisfies my long long pending 'but.. still.. whats so special' personal conundrum!

[@QualeQualeson]

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.

[@kh.abdulrehman]

I'm a med student and have started watching art because of you..

[@ScaryMeadow]

The difference between the first Mona Lisa vid and this one, is amazing. Just the audio quality upgrade alone is so good!

[@GreatArtExplained]

I appreciate that comment thanks 🙏

[@cleoxo2566]

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.

[@wesley907]

I'm always fascinated by these documentaries.

[@LucyGem98]

I thought I knew about this painting, but you have proven me wrong. It's so much more than a painting. Da Vinci was truly a genius in every single way

[@SolomonWolfson]

Wonderful! Thank you, James.

[@antonionavarro9909]

This video itself is a masterpiece

[@senjin8244]

Hello there, I'm a Chinese and I leave you a comment about having subtitle previously, I'm glad you're taking my advise!! I'm going to recommend your video to my artist friends right now!! This is so helpful to my friends who have weak English understanding, and this is a lot of helpful to the deafs as well!!! I'm very appreciated it!!! Thank you for the contribution and the content!!

[@thomasdequincey5811]

I don't know if I'm being simple here, but the peripheral vision smile trick blew me away.

[@nabilakhan4133]

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!

[@vasundhararajtyagi8075]

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.

[@garssympa500]

One of your best, James. I couldn't look away throughout the video. Thank you very much.

[@jamesrahe5287]

People say Mona Lisa is overrated, but I think this video proves that it is worthy of the adoration it receives.

[@RR_1630]

I just loose track of time whilst watching your insightful videos!! What you are doing is simply marvelous!!

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@NedToukhi]

This channel is a treasure, amazing content, 32 minutes and I've never checked the timeline.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@pac2718]

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.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@tw9535]

Brilliant. The universe could have dropped da Vinci into ANY point in time, including the present, and he would have been the best. At anything.

[@spliffedtothegallows7337]

You touched on the feelings I had when I went to the Louvre, the huge snaking queue of people lining up to take a selfie with her without giving her a moments thought. I had all but disregarded the picture on that spectacle alone. It is a painting that is deserving of quiet contemplation and through your video I am very grateful to be able to give her more than a fleeting glance

[@BartAppleseed]

so thrilled to see a new work of art upload, so much more of the most famous painting. thank you!

[@SonicPoetryIII]

It's crazy to say, but you can enjoy the Mona Lisa much better in your living room than at the Louvre. There is so many people pushing about you can't focus and enjoy properly.

[@Dawn-bl8ze]

Absolute brilliant, astonishingly enlightening. Thank you again for golden 30 minutes of pure fascination.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@iamrjdennis]

these videos are so wonderful. thank you for sharing them! 💛

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@nehalmahmudkhan1549]

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.

[@WudEvZ]

Thank you! This was so wonderful!

[@dudaferraz8823]

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.

[@jacoville]

This is such a masterpiece, same to this video as well.

[@GreatArtExplained]

Thanks 🙏

[@Parthatheguy]

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.

[@dillonnelson7571]

Such an amazing explanation of the piece, I’m so glad I found your channel!