Mona Lisa 1726 - 1748

This tiny Mona Lisa was painted by David Gardelle in the mid-18th century, using oils on a copper plate. The use of copper as a support is interesting here, as it departs from more traditional canvas or wood panels. Copper offers a smooth, non-absorbent surface, ideal for capturing fine details, but presents challenges in adhesion and requires meticulous preparation. The scale of the work suggests it might have been intended as a personal keepsake or for a collection of miniature paintings, a popular form of art consumption at the time. Gardelle’s technique, characterized by delicate brushwork and careful rendering of light and shadow, aligns with the aesthetic of the Rococo period. The labor-intensive process, from preparing the copper plate to applying the final touches, reflects the value placed on skilled craftsmanship and artistic refinement, but also points to the development of specialized expertise. Thinking about this in contrast to mass production encourages us to see the value of individual skill and artistry that stands apart from the pressures of industrialization.