What makes mona lisa such a popular painting?

Question:Well its an interesting painting to view if you are really looking. Especially for people who are interested in art. The subject of the painting has a rather curious expression on her face compared to other portraits as well as the fact that she is painted in front of a landscape scene as opposed to an indoor scene. The landscape itself is strange looking as well. Its a curious painting and a beautiful one so the attention it recieves from the art community tranlsates to the general public and makes it a well known work.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Well its an interesting painting to view if you are really looking. Especially for people who are interested in art. The subject of the painting has a rather curious expression on her face compared to other portraits as well as the fact that she is painted in front of a landscape scene as opposed to an indoor scene. The landscape itself is strange looking as well. Its a curious painting and a beautiful one so the attention it recieves from the art community tranlsates to the general public and makes it a well known work.

It's had some really good p.r., for one thing. Think of what Don McLean's song "Vincent" did for "A Starry Night."
People know and recognize the Mona Lisa, and people who don't know a whole lot about art like the fact that they know this painting, I guess.
Just my theory. It's not like it's the best painting anyone's ever done in the history of the world.

her smirk.

actually ive heard many times from many of my art teachers, its famous because of the fact that no one knew who she was.

its a mystery and that intrigues people.

the painter who painted her

I think most of Leonardo's paintings are famous because he was such an interesting person. Plus people are fascinated by her depiction since it is rather mysterious.