1600 Mona Lisa version – Artcurial

Artcurial, the auction house by the Rond Point des Champs Elysées, has unveiled an exceptional Mona Lisa that will come under the hammer on 9 November 2021. Incredibly faithful to the original, this version, painted around 1600, highlights the early fascination for Leonardo da Vinci and his work. The portrait with the mysterious smile will be exhibited across Europe from October, in Vienna, Brussels and Paris.

While there are plenty of copies and interpretations, past and present, of the Mona Lisa, including some that appear on the art market, the rare version to be offered at Artcurial on 9 November has many special qualities: it is an early piece, painted on a panel and is meticulously executed in a distinct style. It is an important and historic testimony providing an insight into the importance of the acquisition made by the King of France, François I at the start of the 16th century – thus well before the revival in interest following its theft at the start of the 20th century – and the fascination exerted by the immortal smile on painters of her adopted kingdom. This oil was painted on an oak panel circa 1600 and is estimated to fetch between 150 000 € and 200 000 €. The painting will be on display from 5 and 8 October in Vienna, 27 to 29 October in Brussels and from 5 to 8 November in Paris, before coming under the hammer on 9 November at Artcurial in Paris.