Contemporary versions of the very famous Monna Lisa, by Leonardo da Vinci, are rare, compared to other Italian Renaissance Masterpieces.
The history of the painting can explain how rare are its versions : it was directly acquired by François I, from Leonardo da Vinci.
Then, the artwork, as most of Royal collections, was not easily avaliable. It was first exhibited to visitors during the Revolution, when ancient royal collections get out of the Louvre's reserve.
Monna Lisa is on a panel, whereas the Clos Lucé's painting, as other contemporary versions, is painted on canva. This medium became usual at the beginning of the XVIth century.
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