Portrait of Lisa Gherardini, wife of Francesco del Giocondo, known as "Monna Lisa, la Gioconda" or "Mona Lisa", 1503-1519 (1503/1519) by Leonardo di ser Piero DA VINCI, dit Léonard de Vinci (1452 - 1519), Paris, musée du LouvreOriginal Source: Paris, Louvre Museum
Like this famous mountainous scene which flanks the face of the Mona Lisa, a painting's background can provide mood and mystery.
Scroll on to see more famous painted backgrounds. Can you guess which work they're from?
La Primavera (Spring) (1481 - 1482) by Botticelli FilipepiUffizi Gallery
Background 1
Our first painting shows a fruitful and colorful scene. In the background, we can see a number of plant species, including this peach tree which is heavily laden with delicious fruit.
Elsewhere in the painting, we see trees in flower and delicate, unfurling green leaves. Together, these make an incredibly verdant and enticing background.
At the bottom of the painting, we see that the ground is covered in daisies, roses, anemones, strawberry flowers, cornflowers and laurel. Many of these flowers have a strong, sweet scent, adding to the headiness of the image and the feeling of abundance that it conveys.
As well as trees, fruits and flowers, the painting shows a number of figures. This barefooted woman seems to embody the spirit of Mother Nature with her light, floral clothes and garland of flowers.
So, can you guess which masterpiece we’re looking at up close?
Primavera, Botticelli
Painted in the 1470s or 1480s, Primavera is one of Botticelli’s most famous works. In fact, it’s one of the best known paintings from the period. The figures in the image come from classical mythology and the work itself is an allegory for the lush growth of spring.
Currently on display in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, it’s seen by over 4 million people per year.
Terrace of a café at night (Place du Forum) (c. 16 September 1888) by Vincent van GoghKröller-Müller Museum
Background 2
Our next mystery painting has a very different feel. Set at night, the sky is filled with yellow, white and pale blue stars.
Though the starry sky forms the central part of the background, much of the painting is actually taken up by buildings. This hints that the image is located in a town or city, and not under the open sky at all.
The illuminated windows in the background of the scene show that this is a busy area with lots of people living nearby. The strong brush strokes and vibrant colors are very evocative and give the painting a lively and inviting feel.
Do you know which well-known work we’re looking at?
Café Terrace at Night, Vincent van Gogh
Created in 1888, Café Terrace at Night was the first work in which Van Gogh painted a starry sky. The scene in inspired by a street in Arles, France. The exact spot that inspired van Gogh has recently been restored to more closely resemble the famous painting and its brightly illuminated café.
Ophelia (Around 1851) by Sir John Everett MillaisTate Britain
Background 3
Like our first painting, this work is set wholly in nature. The background features bushes, flowers, and reeds. Bare earth is also visible in part of the scene.
One of the biggest clues to the identity of this work can be found in the bottom left hand corner, where reeds are gently pushed by the current of a stream or brook.
Other aquatic plants can be seen at the bottom of the image, giving the work a distinctly watery feel.
At the back of the scene, a tree – possibly a weeping willow – leans into water. Its sparse branches give the painting a slightly forlorn feel and reinforce the idea that we’re in a wild place.
So which famous painting are we looking at?
Ophelia, John Everett Millais
This mid-19th century work was painted by John Everett Millais, one of the founders of the Pre-Raphaelite Movement. The painting shows Ophelia, a character from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, just before she drowns in the water. Incredibly beautiful and very evocative, it’s one of the most famous works of the period.
Learn more about Ophelia here.
