The Mona Lisa is one of the most famous works of art in history and was painted by Leonardo da Vinci, an Italian artist, polymath, and a key figure of the Renaissance period. Da Vinci's mastery of techniques such as sfumato—a method of blending colors and tones—to create soft transitions between colors, is evident in the Mona Lisa’s enigmatic expression and detailed background. This painting, created in the early 16th century, showcases da Vinci's innovative approaches to portraiture and has captivated viewers for centuries, contributing to its status as a symbol of artistic genius.
The other artists mentioned, while also significant figures in the art world, have very different styles and contributions. Pablo Picasso was known for his role in founding Cubism; Vincent Van Gogh was famous for his vivid use of color and brushwork, particularly in post-impressionism; and Claude Monet was a leading figure in Impressionism, focusing on capturing light and movement in his landscape paintings. Each of these artists has made a substantial impact on art history, but they are not associated with the creation of the Mona Lisa.