Portraiture has always been a fascination for people, from the earliest cave paintings to the most recent Instagram selfies. One of the most iconic portraits in the world is the Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci in the early 16th century. The enigmatic smile of the woman in the portrait has captivated viewers for centuries, and it has become a symbol of the beauty and mystery of art.
Did you know that Mona is actually a short form of Madonna in Italian? The legendary pop singer has often used the influences of Tamara de Lempicka in her work, especially during her Vogue era. Madonna has always been known for her artistic expression and her music videos are no exception. In her 1989 hit "Express Yourself," she used the Art Deco style and imagery inspired by Tamara de Lempicka's art. The video features Madonna in a variety of poses and outfits reminiscent of the Art Deco period, including a scene where she lounges on a couch in a gold dress reminiscent of Lempicka's famous portraits. Madonna's use of Lempicka's signature style in her video helped bring attention to the artist and the Art Deco movement, cementing their place in popular culture.
At Chic Art Prints, we've taken inspiration from the art of portraiture to create our own artwork - the Mona in a Gold Turban print. This stylish woman, depicted in a gold turban, evokes the glamour and elegance of the art deco era. The print is also influenced by portraits of Tamara de Lempicka, and it captures the feminine power and sophistication that she was known for. We also nod in the name to Lempicka’s famous ‘Green Turban’.
But let's not forget about the name Mona itself. It actually means "noble" or "aristocratic" in Arabic and "solitary" or "alone" in Old English. Many European countries celebrate the name day of Mona on May 4th.
So, what do Mona Lisa, Madonna, and our Mona print have in common? Apart from sharing the name, they all celebrate femininity, beauty, and art. Chic Art Prints' Mona is a perfect example of the timeless elegance and style of art deco. Check out our Mona print and other limited edition prints to add a touch of glamour to your home décor!
