While Visiting Paris, this week, I finally had a chance to see the 500 year old painting “the Mona Lisa” and knock off another great buck-list item! To see Paris and all it history. It was great, but to see this master piece is another thing all together! We waited in line like good tourists to get in the building, we roamed the gallery hallways of the Louve, this once grand Royal Palace. Looked at so many old and I’m sure priceless pieces of art. Navigating this magnificent Palace to go see the world famous painting by Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci’s.
Room 711 in the Demon section is were we found her, it seemed like crazy rock concert at first, fans trying to get a photo of this priceless French owned piece. The Mona Lisa, completed around the year 1506 and is a famous and iconic portrait created by the Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci and sold to King Francis when Da Vince moved to France from Florence. It is widely regarded as one of the most recognized and influential works of art in history.
There I was, in from of the crowd and finally getting my chance to see this painting for the first time. I’m only 8 feet from it and ready to snap my own picture. Right at that moment I notice the little man in front of me, waiting for him to get out of my way and I noticed he wasn’t trying to take a picture. He was just simple admiring the painting in that single moment. So I found myself doing the same, I simple ignored the crowds and the museum’s staff. I just stood there starring at Leonardo’s master piece, admiring it like this stranger was. Then the gravity of the situation hit me! I saw what made this painting so special and different from all the other historical, priceless pieces in the museum. For a moment I felt like I was with Leonardo himself, Mona Lisa was starring at me, she seemed so life like, the detail was incredibly beautiful. I snap out of the moment feeling fulfilled and satisfied. I took 20 steps from the crowd and my body started to tingle. This felt so emotional. It was so magical. She is portrayed sitting against a landscape backdrop with a mysterious smile and enigmatic expression.
The only time something like this came over me was June 2004, when I was at the end of the aisle, watching my bride Rosina walking down towards me at Calgary’s Saint Mary’s Cathedral while the church organ were playing the wedding march, the most powerful sounds I can ever remember hearing, watching the most beautiful woman in the world starring at me with such extreme admiration. It’s the first thought I had while getting over this moment of chocked up in the Louve.
After a little research, I read that the painting’s composition, use of light and shadow, and the delicate blending of colors showcase da Vinci’s masterful technique and attention to detail. The Mona Lisa is renowned for its realism, captivating viewers with its lifelike portrayal.
What a great moment for me and to share it with the three of the most special people in my life, that was priceless!
Thank you Leonardo da Vinci, I have a new respect for you! Also thank you to that stranger who slowed everything down for me, so I could appreciate that moment I had with The Mona Lisa!
Hope everyone has a chance to see this magical painting and can appreciate it like I did.
Your Friend
Danijel Slisko
