By Elizabeth Montana

Since I returned from Italy last month, I have been intrigued more than ever before by the enigmatic Mona Lisa and her role not only in the world of art history, but in the real world of 15th century Italian life. In fact, the reason for my curiosity is that on my recent trip to Italy I was privileged to stay in a luxuriously appointed, rambling Tuscan villa, called Ca' di Pesa, which was once owned by the Mona Lisa's father, Sr. Gherardini, and the same villa in which we will stay on some of our upcoming Dream Italia tours.

Mona Lisa, with her reticent smile, accompanied me as I explored the many rooms of the expansive 11,000 ft² villa, situated on a hilltop just minutes outside of Panzano in Chianti, now the vacation home of a well traveled family with four darling little girls. We will have the rare opportunity to experience the lifestyle dreams are made of by staying in this historical villa, and to sink our teeth into one of the greatest mysteries of the art world. Who was Mona Lisa?

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While many popular and intriguing theories abound, most historians agree with the Italian scholar, Giuseppe Pallanti, who in 2004 published Monna Lisa: Mulier Ingenua (Mona Lisa: Real Woman). Mr. Pallanti is credited with discovering the first clear evidence of the Mona Lisa's identity, and spent 25 years gathering archival evidence in support of the identification of Lisa Gioconda (née: Gherardini) as da Vinci's model for the famed work of art. This claim was first made by Giorgio Vasari, the Italian biographer of Renaissance artists who, in 1550, named the silk merchant's wife as the subject of the portrait; and has been the subject of debate for over 400 years.

As I wandered through the deliciously comfortable rooms of the villa, I saw the current artwork and aspects of the home juxtaposed against the historical information we now have of Mona Lisa Gioconda. The wood panel painted with a map of the Chianti region now hanging in the living room is reminiscent of the Mona Lisa itself, which was also painted on a wood panel; the rich tapestry soaring to the vaulted ceiling above the antique wooden desk, is a reminder of the fact that Mona Lisa was married to a wealthy silk trader. The gaily frescoed children's rooms, which today depict Circus, Jungle and Sea Creature motifs, bring thoughts of Mona Lisa Gioconda's own 5 children, two of whom went on to become nuns. Did they play here in their grandfather's house?

Giuseppe Pallanti has authored a new book, Mona Lisa Revealed: The Identity of Leonardo's Model, in which he mentions the villa's relationship to Mona Lisa's family, and which will be available in paperback in May 2006.

Prof. Pallanti has also written an historical book on Ca' di Pesa itself. It is currently available in Italian only, and will be published in English in approximately 12 months. A copy of the manuscript in English is available for reading at the villa.

Dream Italia's Castles & Vineyards Tour will include visits to privately owned castles and wine tastings every day at splendid vineyards. We will visit the beautiful medieval villages of Tuscany and enjoy the local cuisine. Don't miss this opportunity to join us for this very special Castles & Vineyards Tour September 23-30, 2006. We offer a Special Early Bird Discount. Contact Us Today!