“Voyage of Discovery of the ‘Earlier Mona Lisa’” Exhibition Captures Shanghai’s Imagination
Shanghai, China, 29 August 2016: WeChat and social media across the world buzzed with excitement for the duration of “Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Earlier Mona Lisa’” exhibition in Shanghai. Bus loads of people arrived from far flung provinces to glimpse the ‘Earlier Mona Lisa’ at her Chinese Premiere.
Started with a few simple strokes by Leonardo da Vinci in 1503, the greatest portrait in the history of mankind began in Florence, Italy. His masterful application of paint in the creation of the ‘Earlier Mona Lisa’, inspiration for his world-famous icon, the Mona Lisa in the Louvre Museum, Paris, France, commenced its journey into history and the world’s consciousness.
The voyage’s last step brought the masterpiece to The House in Xintiandi, Shanghai, from 28 April 2016 for the China Premiere of the exhibition “Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Earlier Mona Lisa’” – the second time only that the painting was unveiled to the public for viewing with its firm attribution to Leonardo da Vinci, and the fascinating proof, including new evidence presented for the first time ever at the exhibition in Shanghai, that confirmed this ground-breaking change to global Art History.
The exhibition was open to the public from April 28th to August 28th 2016.
Mr. David Feldman, Vice President of The Mona Lisa Foundation, curator of the exhibition, said at the opening: “We promise it will be a passionate experience for many – from art enthusiasts and school children to history lovers – particularly when it comes to viewing the painting. From our experience at the World Premiere in Singapore, the only time before that the public has been able to view the painting with its specially designed light show, the sheer beauty of being confronted with the masterpiece has been one of the most special moments of one’s lifetime.”
A special “Kids’ Tour” was available for younger audiences – and local youth groups took full advantage of the opportunity to initiate youngsters to the magic of Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance.
Supporters
Menarini Asia Pacific, an Italian pharmaceutical firm and leader in its field, was a major sponsor of the Worldwide Premiere of “Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Earlier Mona Lisa’” in Singapore. “We are delighted to continue and strengthen our support of this fascinating and continuing voyage of discovery of what is possibly the most famous artwork to be discovered in recent history. Menarini supports discovery in the sciences and the arts. Never have we seen the two come together as perfectly as in the “Voyage of Discovery of the Earlier Mona Lisa”. I trust that you will enjoy this interactive multimedia exhibition that takes visitors on an individual journey into the world of Italian Renaissance.” said the Shanghai President of Menarini Asia Pacific, the premiere sponsor of the exhibition, at the Gala Preview at The House in Xintiandi.
Future Smile Asia
Following their support of Smile Asia in Singapore, Menarini Asia Pacific chose, alongside The Mona Lisa Foundation, Future Smile Charitable Foundation – which provides free reconstructive facial surgery for children suffering from facial deformities throughout Asia – as the event beneficiary for the “Voyage of Discovery of the ‘Earlier Mona Lisa’” exhibition and made a corporate donation to them after the successful completion of the event. “Let the woman with the most famous smile in the world continue to help giving a new start in life to children and young people across Asia
” said Mr. Feldman, who initiated the charitable partnership in 2014.