I’ll be honest. There are times when I’m ready to write this blog and I honestly have no idea what I’m going to write about. Today I actually had an idea. But then during my research, I tumbled into a rabbit hole that proved to be quite interesting! So instead of writing on my original topic, I’m taking you down the rabbit hole with me to learn how a handyman stole Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa from the Louvre museum in Paris. This happened in 1911, during the month of August.
Italian handyman Vincenzo Peruggia was employed by the museum to construct protective glass cases for some of the museum’s most famous works. In a moment of poor judgment, he decided to steal the Mona Lisa. After spending the night in a museum closet, Peruggia removed the painting, hid it under his clothes, and exited the building with the help of an unsuspecting plumber. What? How does a handyman hide the Mona Lisa under his clothes? Well, much to my surprise the original painting measured a mere two feet six inches by one foot nine inches. I had no idea! Two years later the painting was recovered and Peruggia served a seven-month jail term.
So what can you do with this bit of trivia? You can provide students with art paper to match the measurements of da Vinci’s masterpiece (or have older students measure and trim art paper to size) and have the kiddos illustrate their own masterpieces. You could also further investigate Leonardo da Vinci with your students. Or you can simply feel a tad bit more informed and go on about your day!
Other ideas? Please share!
I love a rabbit hole!
Diane
Our PreK program has an Art All Around Us theme. I love it. It’s such a departure from the usual themes; it’s something fun & different. I have gotten the chance to visit classrooms in the South Texas area who also have this theme, and I’ve seen some great activities. And yes – I did see copies of the Mona Lisa hanging in a few classrooms!