How Large Is the Mona Lisa Painting?

The Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci from 1503 to 1506, is one of the most famous paintings in the Western world. Some people think it is her mysterious smile that makes her so intriguing.

Below is a good miniature reproduction of Mona Lisa. In actual size, the length, or height, of the original painting is about 30 inches.

1. What is the actual width? How do you know?

2. A graphic artist was experimenting on her computer trying to make some reproduction of da Vanci’s Mona Lisa. Below are the results. Use your own sense of proportion to judge the seven pictures of Mona Lisa if they are good or distorted reproduction.

Reproductions
(width by length) / Aspect Ratio
(width by length) / Good or Distorted
A. 2" x 3"
B. 3" x 2"
C. 3" x 4 1/2"
D. 5" x 7 1/2"
E. 6" x 6"
F. 6" X 9"
G. 4.5" x 9"

Extension: Paint By Numbers

Part 1

Here is a set of six cards, each with the dimensions of some more attempts to reproduce the Mona Lisa.

4. Sort them into two piles: good reproductions and distorted ones. List the dimensions of the cards in the columns below.

Good Reproductions / Bad Reproductions

5. Explain two ways you could tell a good reproduction from a distorted one.

3. Line up the lower left corners of all the reproductions, including the 20" by 30". (a) Trace the outline of each picture on the grid paper below. (b) Mark the upper corner of each good reproduction with a and distorted reproduction with ∆. (c) What do you notice? (d) Why?

Extension: Paint By Numbers

Part 2

6. Now graph the height versus the width of the six pictures on the grid below. Mark the good reproductions with a and distorted ones with a ∆.

7. What patterns do you notice?

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