Mona Lisa Mania

the·o·ry n. pl. the·o·ries
1. A set of statements or principles devised to explain a group of facts or phenomena, especially one that has been repeatedly tested or is widely accepted and can be used to make predictions about natural phenomena. 2. The branch of a science or art consisting of its explanatory statements, accepted principles, and methods of analysis, as opposed to practice: a fine musician who had never studied theory. 3.Abstract reasoning; speculation: a decision based on experience rather than theory. 4.A belief or principle that guides action or assists comprehension or judgment: staked out the house on the theory that criminals usually return to the scene of the crime. 5.An assumption based on limited information or knowledge; a conjecture.

There have been many theories written about Leonardo da Vinci and of his intentions painting the Mona Lisa. Some gleaning facts from his biography and work as it applied to the painting. Others about Mona Lisa as mysterious seductress or femme fatale.

Here is your opportunity to study the painting and create a theory about her smile, her countenance, or something that may have gone unnoticed. We have two categories, Scholarly Theories and Good Guesses. What distinguishes a scholarly theory from a good guess? The scholarly theory would be authored by an individual regarded as an expert in a chosen field, one who may have a profound knowledge of a particular subject as applies to any facet of the work. But some of the most entertaining theories have been good guesses. What is your theory about the greatness of this painting?