October Oracle

Date: Thu, 1 Aug 2002 20:46:18 EDT
From: Jantoniofarfan@aol.com

I am doing research on the Mona Lisa and I thought to inform you was not painted on pine but rather a panel of White Lombardy Poplar, as was common during that time.

The Louvre museum by way of information for my own research which can also (so ive found out) be found within the pages of book titled Mona Lisa by Serge Bramly.

I'm presently stuck on one question that you might be of help.

The painting was painted on this so called slip of wood. When it was stolen in August of 1911 how was it taken off of the frame.

Was the wood that thin that it could be rolled up? or was that thin sheet of poplar glued onto another sheet of wood? Hmmm? if you have any input I would certainly appreciate it.

Antonio

Dear Antonio,
The actual size of the Mona Lisa is 30 1/4" X 21". The painting was small enough for Leonardo to carry it with him where ever he went.

It could comfortably fit under a trench coat once the frame was removed. It did not have to be "rolled up" as you suggest.

Did you know that the original painting had columns on it? They were cut off so it would fit the frame at the Louvre. Open door 2 of ArtiFAQ to see the Mona Lisa with columns: /13681/data/nyc/door2.htm

Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2002
From: lauraselub

Steve,

I'd be quite fascinated to receive "Leonardo's Fluid Access."

November 2 will be the opening of one of his sculpture shows, at the Agora Gallery, in Soho, NYC. I think the Leonardo sculpture isn't included in eithet of these, so we'll steal a little time out of or crazy schedule, and send you a digital photo of same.

Regards,
Laura von Schmidt

Steve,

Attached please find a copy of Chuck's only photo of the Leonardo sculpture he was commissioned to do, some thirty years ago.

Regards, again,
Laura Selub von Schmidt Leonardo by Carl von Schmdt

You'd see some of Chuck's current works at his web site, http://www.von-schmidt.com