Mona Lisa Memorabilia Collection (SC-18)

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
VMFA Archives
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Margaret R. and Robert M. Freeman Library
200 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23220-4007
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Roxanne Winfield
Phone: (804) 340-1497
Phone: (804) 340-1495
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The collection is subject to all copyright laws. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright, beyond that allowed by fair use, requires the researcher to obtain permission of copyright holders.

Preferred citation:

Mona Lisa Memorabilia Collection (SC-18). VMFA Archives, Richmond, Virginia.

Summary

Extent:
0.25 Linear Feet 1 item
Language:
English .
Abstract:
The collection consists of various forms of memorabilia (postcards, cartoons, brochures, greeting cards, buttons, pins, stickers) depicting Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" as appropriated art. The collection was assembled by Mary Moore Jacoby in honor of Pinkney L. Near, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts' senior curator, who died in 1990.
Preferred citation:

Mona Lisa Memorabilia Collection (SC-18). VMFA Archives, Richmond, Virginia.

Background

Biographical / historical:

The "Mona Lisa", believed to have been painted sometime between 1503 and 1506, is Leonardo da Vinci's most recognizable work, and is considered the best known, the most visited, the most written about, the most sung about, and the most parodied work of art in the world. It is believed to be a portrait of Lisa Gherardini, the wife of a successful silk and wool trader. With her enigmatic expression, and its atmospheric, imaginary background, the painting has captured the imagination. Because it is considered in the public domain, artists, including Marcel Duchamp, Salvador Dali and Andy Warhol, have been free to reproduce and alter the painting as they wished. The painting now belongs to the French Government and is on permanent display at the Louvre museum in Paris.

Custodial history:

The collection was donated by Mary Moore Jacoby in January 1996.

Processing information:

The assembled collection was left intact in the original binder.

Arrangement:

The collection is organized into one series.

Series 1
Memorabilia