Apparently German researchers have finally confirmed the identity of the Mona Lisa as Lisa Gherardini del Giocondo, the wife of the wealthy Florentine silk merchant Francesco del Giocondo. While this had been speculated on prior to this, there was little or no evidence to corroborate the statement.

I really don’t know how I feel about this. I’m all for academic achievement and discovery and the news doesn’t lessen the immense impact the painting has had but there’s a fairly large part of me that is saddened by this news. It’s one less mystery in the world. One less speculative dream that inspires conversation and thought. Now all that is left is one more hardened fact, one more pillar of Science strengthened.

*sigh* I guess I’m just a dreamer and romantic at heart and always will be.

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On a completely random aside, I must say that the name Lisa Gherardini del Giocondo just looks and sounds extremely cool to me. So I guess that redeems the news somewhat in my eyes.