667. The Mystery of the Mona Lisa

Mona Lisa: The History of the World's Most Famous Painting

Mario Praz

It's called the Romantic Agony, translated into English. It's by an Italian critic called Mario Praz.

Donald Sassoon

My conclusion is that the evidence is too scanty for us to arrive at any firm identification.

Giorgio Vasari

Vasari's great hero is Michelangelo, but he does give Leonardo a decent write-up.

Episode summary

Is there a secret meaning behind the Mona Lisa’s famously ambiguous smile? What light does the painting shed upon Renaissance Italy, and Leonardo da Vinci himself? And, who is the mysterious man or woman in the painting…? Join Dominic and Tom as they unfold the secret history behind the world’s most famous painting, and delve into the story behind its creator and creation. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at the⁠restishistory.com⁠ To read our new newsletter, sign up at: ⁠therestishistory.com/newsletters⁠ _______ Lloyds. 250 years on and still backing the nation's aspirations. _______ Advertise with us: [email protected] _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Video Editors: Jack Meek, Harry Swan + Adam Thornton Social Producer: Harry Balden Producers: Tabby Syrett & Aaliyah Akude Senior Producer: Callum Hill

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Mario Praz

The host discusses how the book 'The Romantic Agony' by Mario Praz explores the obsession of male artists and writers…

Mona Lisa: The History of the World's Most Famous Painting

Donald Sassoon

The host references Donald Sassoon's book to highlight the ongoing debate about the identity of the Mona Lisa. Sassoo…

Giorgio Vasari

The host discusses the significance of Giorgio Vasari's book, 'The Lives of the Artists,' in understanding the histor…

The Da Vinci Code

Dan Brown

The host mentions 'Da Vinci Code' to illustrate how the Mona Lisa has been associated with mystery and intrigue in po…

identity of the Mona Lisa(1)Leonardo and Michelangelo(1)Mona Lisa mystery(1)Romanticism and female beauty(1)

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What is 667. The Mystery of the Mona Lisa about?

Summary, books mentioned, transcript quotes, and timestamps for 667. The Mystery of the Mona Lisa on The Rest Is History.

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The conversation centers on identity of the Mona Lisa.
A second recurring theme is Leonardo and Michelangelo.
Referenced books include The Romantic Agony by Mario Praz and Mona Lisa: The History of the World's Most Famous Painting by Donald Sassoon.
The strongest audience signal points to Art historians and literature enthusiasts and Art historians and enthusiasts.

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Which books are mentioned in 667. The Mystery of the Mona Lisa?

The Romantic Agony by Mario Praz, Mona Lisa: The History of the World's Most Famous Painting by Donald Sassoon, and The Lives of the Artists by Giorgio Vasari are the clearest linked books in this episode, each tied back to transcript timestamps and quote cards.

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Deep Dive(3)Passing Reference(1)

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Art historians and literature enthusiastsArt historians and enthusiastsFans of art history and mystery novels

Books Mentioned

The full list below is ranked by how useful each mention is to a listener: stronger recommendation language, clearer quote context, and better timestamp support rise first.

Mario Praz

Best for Art historians and literature enthusiastsOften cited around Romanticism and female beauty

“A brilliant book published in 1933 that covers how male artists and writers became obsessed with a distinctive vision of female beauty, tainted with pain, corruption, and death.”

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Romanticism and female beauty

For: Art historians and literature enthusiasts

Key quote: “It's called the Romantic Agony, translated into English. It's by an Italian critic called Mario Praz.”

The host discusses how the book 'The Romantic Agony' by Mario Praz explores the obsession of male artists and writers with a specific vision of female beauty during the 19th century. This obsession is linked to the evolving reputation of the Mona Lisa and its association with Leonardo da Vinci as a supreme genius.

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Mona Lisa: The History of the World's Most Famous Painting

Donald Sassoon

Best for Art historians and enthusiastsOften cited around identity of the Mona Lisa

“Donald Sassoon, who is the author of the definitive history of the Mona Lisa. I've drawn a lot on his book for this episode.”

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: identity of the Mona Lisa

For: Art historians and enthusiasts

Key quote: “My conclusion is that the evidence is too scanty for us to arrive at any firm identification.”

The host references Donald Sassoon's book to highlight the ongoing debate about the identity of the Mona Lisa. Sassoon's agnostic conclusion emphasizes the uncertainty that has surrounded the painting for centuries.

Amazon search results · affiliate link

Giorgio Vasari

Best for Art historians and enthusiastsOften cited around Leonardo and Michelangelo

“Vasari's great hero is Michelangelo, but he does give Leonardo a decent write-up. He mentions the Mona Lisa explicitly.”

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Sentiment: Deep Dive

Trigger: Leonardo and Michelangelo

For: Art historians and enthusiasts

Key quote: “Vasari's great hero is Michelangelo, but he does give Leonardo a decent write-up.”

The host discusses the significance of Giorgio Vasari's book, 'The Lives of the Artists,' in understanding the historical context of Leonardo da Vinci's works, particularly the Mona Lisa. Vasari's detailed accounts provide insight into the esteem in which artists were held during the Renaissance, highlighting the competitive dynamics between them.

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The Da Vinci Code

Dan Brown

Best for Fans of art history and mystery novelsOften cited around Mona Lisa mystery

“Robert Langdon, of course, is the hero of Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code. This is what Dan Brown has Langdon say about the Mona Lisa.”

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Sentiment: Passing Reference

Trigger: Mona Lisa mystery

For: Fans of art history and mystery novels

Key quote: “So in the Da Vinci Code, the Mona Lisa, he says, embodies the sacred feminine.”

The host mentions 'Da Vinci Code' to illustrate how the Mona Lisa has been associated with mystery and intrigue in popular culture. Dan Brown's interpretation of the painting as embodying the sacred feminine highlights the ongoing fascination with its enigmatic qualities.

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The Romantic Agony

The Rest Is History · 55:55

It's called the Romantic Agony, translated into English. It's by an Italian critic called Mario Praz.

Mona Lisa: The History of the World's Most Famous Painting

The Rest Is History · 40:52

My conclusion is that the evidence is too scanty for us to arrive at any firm identification.

The Lives of the Artists

The Rest Is History · 25:31

Vasari's great hero is Michelangelo, but he does give Leonardo a decent write-up.

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Mentioned at 55:55

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Mario Praz

The host discusses how the book 'The Romantic Agony' by Mario Praz explores the obsession of male artists and writers with a specific vision of fem…

Amazon search results · affiliate link

Mentioned at 40:52

Mona Lisa: The History of the World's Most Famous Painting

Donald Sassoon

The host references Donald Sassoon's book to highlight the ongoing debate about the identity of the Mona Lisa. Sassoon's agnostic conclusion emphas…

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Amazon search results · affiliate link

Mentioned at 25:31