The Mona Lisa is a painting created by the Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci in the early 16th century. It is a portrait of a woman, believed to be Lisa Gherardini, the wife of a Florentine merchant. The painting is famous for its enigmatic smile and is considered one of the greatest works of art in history. It is also one of the most well-known and recognized paintings in the world, with millions of visitors flocking to the Louvre Museum in Paris every year to see it in person. The Mona Lisa's significance in the art world lies in its innovative techniques, such as the use of sfumato to create a sense of depth and realism, as well as its lasting impact on Western art, influencing countless artists in the centuries that followed.