Pronunciation: [mˈə͡ʊnə lˈiːsə] (IPA) 
The spelling of "Mona Lisa" is as straightforward as it appears, with no silent letters or tricky diphthongs. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /ˈmoʊnə ˈliːsə/. The first syllable is pronounced with a long "o" sound, and the second syllable uses a short "i" sound followed by a long "e" sound. The "s" in "Lisa" is pronounced with a soft "s" sound, unlike the hard "z" sound in words like "rose" or "nose."
Mona Lisa, also known as La Gioconda, is an iconic painting created by the renowned Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci. Considered one of the greatest masterpieces of art, it was painted between 1503 and 1506 during the Renaissance period. The painting depicts a portrait of a woman believed to be Lisa Gherardini, a member of the Gherardini family from Florence, Italy.
The term "Mona Lisa" has now become synonymous with the actual painting but is used to refer to the subject herself as well. The serene and enigmatic expression on her face has captivated viewers for centuries, making it one of the most widely recognized and studied paintings in the world.
The painting’s composition and technique showcases Leonardo da Vinci’s mastery in various artistic aspects. The realistic portrayal of the subject, the use of chiaroscuro to create depth and shadows, the delicate brushstrokes, and the subtle transitions between colors are all examples of his artistic brilliance.
Due to its immense popularity and historical significance, the Mona Lisa is housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, where it has been displayed since 1797. The painting's fame has attracted millions of visitors over the years, with its small, intimate size and magnetic presence continuing to leave a profound impact on art enthusiasts worldwide.
The word "Mona Lisa" comes from Italian, specifically Old Italian. "Mona" is a short form of "Madonna", which means "lady" or "Madam", while "Lisa" is a female given name. Together, "Mona Lisa" can be translated as "Lady Lisa" or "Madam Lisa". The word gained prominence as it became the widely recognized title of the famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci, known as the Mona Lisa.
