Why the Mona Lisa should not be returned to Italy
Italian odd-job man Vincenzo Peruggia and former Egyptian minister of tourism and antiquities, Zahi Hawass, both share a desire to repatriate stolen artifacts, particularly Leonardo’s iconic Mona Lisa. Peruggia famously stole the painting in 1911 and attempted to return it to Italy, while Hawass now advocates for its return through political and media channels. Despite their efforts, the history of the painting’s acquisition suggests that it may not have been illegitimately obtained by the French king, Francis I. The true heritage of Leonardo’s masterpiece is complex, with ties to Florence, Milan, and France. As discussions of restitution continue, it is crucial to accurately understand the historical context of the artwork.
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Elara Voss, graduated from the Royal College of Art in London with a Master’s in Fine Art. She specializes in contemporary sculpture and installation art, exploring themes of nature and human interaction. Elara’s works have been featured in several group exhibitions across Europe, and she is currently working on her first solo show.