The Science Behind the Mona Lisa's Illusions

The illusion that her eyes follow the viewer is a result of Leonardo's precise use of linear

perspective and shading. He carefully modeled the shadows around her eyes,

giving them depth and expression. As Leonardo once said, "The eye,

which is said to be the window of the soul," was key to his approach in capturing emotion.

By painting her eyes to look directly at the viewer, and since perspective in a two-dimensional

painting doesn't change, they seem to follow you wherever you go.

The most fascinating feature of the painting, her enigmatic smile, changes depending on where you focus,

reflecting Leonardo's understanding of visual perception. When viewed directly, the fine details