The enduring mystery of Leonardo da Vinci and the Mona Lisa

A new book examines Leonardo da Vinci’s legacy, debunking myths and exploring the lasting allure of the Mona Lisa.

Mona Lisa (La Gioconda), painted between 1503 and 1516. Housed in the collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid. © Fine Art/Heritage/Getty Images

By Novanka Laras and Sarah Oktaviany

Leonardo da Vinci: An Untraceable Life, by Stephen J. Campbell

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Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is one of the most famous paintings in history, drawing millions of visitors to the Louvre every year. This portrait of Lisa Gherardini, painted in the early 16th century, has become an icon, admired by billions worldwide. While some marvel at her beauty and enigmatic smile, others remain puzzled by the extent of her fame.

Beyond its artistic value, the Mona Lisa has contributed to Leonardo da Vinci’s larger-than-life reputation. His name is now synonymous with genius, appearing in countless biographies, documentaries, and even conspiracy theories. The mystery surrounding both the painting and its creator has fueled endless speculation, leading to a global fascination that spans centuries.

Debunking the myths surrounding Leonardo

In Leonardo da Vinci: An Untraceable Life, art historian Stephen Campbell challenges the myths surrounding the Renaissance master. He critiques the widespread misinformation, from sensationalized biographies to pseudoscientific theories, and aims to reconstruct a more accurate picture of Leonardo’s life and work.

Campbell highlights a crucial issue: Leonardo’s life is poorly documented. His surviving artworks are few, and his famous Last Supper in Milan has been so extensively restored that some experts consider it almost a replica. The only known contemporary account of Leonardo is both unreliable and unfriendly. His notebooks, filled with sketches and scattered thoughts, offer glimpses into his mind but fail to form a coherent self-portrait.

Even Leonardo’s religious beliefs remain unclear. Some scholars speculate he was agnostic, while others argue that his studies of nature reflected a spiritual outlook. Campbell emphasizes that the Renaissance artist was not a lone genius but often worked collaboratively. The abundance of Leonardo-style paintings without clear originals suggests he encouraged copies of his work, complicating attributions.

The truth behind Leonardo’s artistic technique

Leonardo is often praised for his innovative techniques, particularly his mastery of sfumato, a shading method that creates soft transitions between tones. However, not all critics are convinced. Bernard Berenson, a renowned art historian, questioned Leonardo’s use of glazes, arguing that it lacked strength and clarity.

One of Leonardo’s most debated paintings is St. John the Baptist, which some find unsettling due to its androgynous appearance and unconventional anatomy. Campbell defends the work, suggesting that its biblical references add depth to its meaning. However, even Leonardo’s most celebrated works, such as The Virgin and Child With St. Anne and The Virgin of the Rocks, raise questions about his artistic intentions. His blend of realism and idealized beauty creates a paradox, making it difficult to categorize his style within traditional religious art.

Was Leonardo ahead of his time?

A common claim about Leonardo da Vinci is that he was “ahead of his time,” particularly in science and engineering. His notebooks contain designs for machines resembling helicopters, tanks, and anatomical studies that predate modern medical illustrations. Yet, as Campbell points out, these inventions often lacked practicality. Many of Leonardo’s mechanical designs lacked a power source, preventing them from functioning in the real world.

His famous marsh-reclamation project for the papacy is frequently cited as an example of his engineering brilliance. However, Campbell argues that the true pioneers of such projects were Benedictine monks, who successfully transformed northern Italy’s landscape through systematic water management. While Leonardo’s ideas were ambitious, they were not necessarily groundbreaking in practical terms.

The commercialization of Leonardo da Vinci

Campbell’s book also critiques the commercialization of Leonardo’s legacy. The rise of mass media, entertainment, and the art market has turned him into a brand, overshadowing serious scholarship. Sensationalized claims, such as hidden messages in his paintings, continue to circulate, fueled by works like Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code.

The rush to authenticate new Leonardo discoveries has also led to questionable attributions. Campbell laments how the art world, driven by financial interests, often prioritizes market value over historical accuracy. This trend, he argues, distorts both our understanding of Leonardo and the broader field of art history.

A fresh perspective on Leonardo’s legacy

Despite its challenges, Leonardo da Vinci: An Untraceable Life offers a refreshing and critical look at the Renaissance master. Campbell navigates between myth and reality, acknowledging Leonardo’s genius while dispelling exaggerated claims. His book serves as both a biographical investigation and a critique of the modern obsession with turning historical figures into commodities.

Leonardo da Vinci remains an enigma. His works continue to inspire, his name is synonymous with brilliance, and the Mona Lisa still captivates audiences. Yet, as Campbell reminds us, the true Leonardo may be even more fascinating than the myths surrounding him.

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