READING >> In this exploration of the world’s most famous painting, “The Secrets of Mona Lisa” are revealed at the Reading Public Museum now through Monday, Sept. 7 (Labor Day).
The exhibition, on display in The Museum’s Second Floor Temporary Exhibition Galleries, has been created by Grande Exhibitions and Pascal Cotte, France, and is sponsored locally by Customers Bank.
“‘The Secrets of Mona Lisa’ is another exceptional exhibit creating value around history, whether it be art or science,” said Richard Ehst, president and COO of Customers Bank.
Since its installation at the Louvre in 1797, “Mona Lisa” has been on permanent display, removed only when war threatened its safety. In an unprecedented act of generosity, the French government and the Louvre Museum gave French scientific engineer and examiner of fine art Pascal Cotte permission to not only remove “Mona Lisa” from the wall, but to take it out of its frame and scientifically analyze it. What he found will amaze and excite art connoisseurs and amateurs alike. Cotte’s analysis, conducted over two years, has revealed dozens of secrets about history’s most elusive work of art, all verified and approved by Louvre Museum curators.
“The Secrets of Mona Lisa” showcases Cotte’s studies and explores 25 of his most compelling revelations, illustrated by 40 super-magnified, high-resolution sectional images exploring every aspect of the work. Other highlights include the only 360 degree exact replica ever made, original archives and memorabilia, and a giant infra-red image exposing secrets of the painting never before known.
“This exciting exhibition uniquely combines art and science, shedding light on a painting which many assumed the last word had already been written,” said Scott Schweigert, The Museum’s Curator of Art & Civilization.” The show offers a fresh look at the iconic painting.”
Whether or not you have been lucky enough to admire the “Mona Lisa” herself in Paris, you will feel privileged to see her in a context few others will ever have the opportunity to enjoy. Visitors to “The Secrets of Mona Lisa” Lisa will marvel at the intricate details that make “Mona Lisa” the icon that she is, as they come to truly appreciate the beauty, complexity and mysteries of the masterpiece.
The Reading Public Museum is supported in part by grants from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and is located at 500 Museum Road, Reading. Admission per day is $10 adults (18-64), $6 children/seniors/college students (w/ID) and free to members and children three years old and under. The Museum is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Web: www.readingpublicmuseum.org
