Think you know everything about your favorite works of art? While some mysteries may never be answered, (like will we ever learn if the Mona Lisa is actually Leonardo da Vinci, or who Banksy is!?) luckily, there is no shortage of amazing and interesting facts about some of the worlds most famous artwork. Here are a few things even true art connoisseur may not know.
The Last Supper
Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous work is a little different now than it used to be. When it was first created, Jesus’ feet were visible under the table. Unfortunately, in 1652, builders cut into the bottom center of the mural while installing a doorway and Jesus’ feet were cut clean off.
The Starry Night
Van Gogh painted the work while he was a patient at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, a psychiatric hospital in Saint-Rémy. He painted the small town that was right outside his hospital room window. The hospital, which still exists in the South of France to this day, has a wing named after the painter.
Les Demoiselles D’Avignon
When it debuted at the artist’s studio in 1907, Picasso’s abstract depiction of five Barcelona prostitutes was deemed immoral and banned. Picasso also sketched the piece thousands of times at first, an in an original draft, the figure on the far left was a man.
American Gothic
To accurately portray rural life in America, artist Grant Wood wanted to use his mother as a model for his painting. Unfortunately, he thought it would be too taxing for his mom, so he had his sister dress like his mother and stand for several hours in her place. Even stranger, the male in the painting was Wood’s dentist!
The Persistence of Memory
Did Salvador Dali take inspiration from cheese? Possibly! Though notorious for not explaining his work, Salvador Dali has said that the inspiration for this piece was cheese melting in the sun (though maybe he was joking!).
The Greater Westbury Council for the Arts is devoted to creating, developing, and promoting art and culture in the Westbury community. Through various programs, the nonprofit encourages families and citizens of the community to engage in art and cultural programs.
