流利说 L6-U1 P4 Reading

Mysteries of the Mona Lisa

Without a doubt, one of the world's most recognized pieces of art is the Mona Lisa. Painted in the 16th century by Leonardo da Vinci, it continues to attract crowds of people who are captivated by the mysterious woman in the portrait. Her enigmatic (神秘的) smile and penetrating gaze reach out through the ages if she were alive today.

Critics and art lovers still argue about her identity. One theory is that  the way she posed suggests that she was with child. Another theory argues that her hairless face - no brows or lashes (睫毛) - indicates that she was a prostitute. It seems that in 16the century Italy women working in the world's oldest profession had hairless face in order to make themselves more sexually arousing. There is, however, evidence that at one time the woman in the portrait had thick eyebrows. Perhaps they were inadvertently (不经意的) erased when the painting was cleaned. Nobody knows for sure.

The painting itself has an interesting history. With the death of Leonardo, It went to his friend King Francois I, and then to Louis XV and the Palace of Versailles. It wasn't until 300 years after its completion that it was recognized as a masterpiece. For a time, Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte hung it in his bedroom. Eventually, it found a permanent home when it was added to the collection of the Louvre in Paris. In 1911 it was stolen by an employee and two accomplices (共犯). This theft made the painting famous all over the world. During world war II it was taken away ad hidden from the Nazis (纳粹), as were many important works of art. Today the painting resides at the Louvre, captivating(使迷住) a whole new generation. Whoever she was, the mysteries surrounding the Mona Lisa continue to engage our imaginations.

Today the painting resides at the Louvre, captivating(使迷住) a whole new generation. Whoever she was, the mysteries surrounding the Mona Lisa continue to engage our imaginations.

 For a time, Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte hung it in his bedroom. Eventually, it found a permanent home when it was added to the collection of the Louvre in Paris. In 1911 it was stolen by an employee and two accomplices (共犯). This theft made the painting famous all over the world. During world war II it was taken away ad hidden from the Nazis (纳粹), as were many important works of art. 

The painting itself has an interesting history.

This article was written in a style to keep the mystery alive.

In 1911 it was stolen by a museum employee and two accomplices.