For centuries, viewers of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa have been captivated by her mysterious smile and timeless gaze. But behind the brushstrokes was a real woman—Lisa Gherardini, wife of a Florence ...

Jan. 22, 2007 — -- Her name was Mona Lisa. She was a beloved wife and mother of five who lived in Italy 500 years ago. For some, the best-known smile in the whole world belongs to her. Following ...