Turns out she’s hiding even more than we thought, now that an Italian researcher has uncovered the letters and numbers hidden in her eyes.
Some dismiss this discovery as far-fetched—but I take it seriously—and personally. Because I hold the key to a similar mystery.
Mine doesn’t go back centuries, just decades……to my college graduation when my father commissioned a portrait of me, as a gift.
The artist, Birney Lettick, painted in some surprises..
It’s no big secret that women have more than one side. The bigger secret is that like Leonardo, Lettick added symbols— beyond the rose and butterfly–hidden in the painting itself.
Did Mona Lisa know she concealed her own mystery? I knew, but Lettick told me it was meant to be secret. So I didn’t tell; and it’s so subtle, no one noticed.
Now that Leonardo’s secret is out, I figure it’s safe to reveal mine.
Besides, Birney Lettick assumed I would share it someday…. telling my children and grandchildren about the tiny letters inside the circles on the butterfly’s right wing.
If you look closely you can see them: D-A-V-I- D….the name of the artist’s son, my college boyfriend.
As an artist, Birney Lettick’s vision was impeccable; but his vision didn’t extend to the future. Still, even without a romantic ending, I love that my portrait has something in common with the Mona Lisa.
oh darryle, i too love that your portrait has something to do with the mona lisa. love reading what you write. love your blog. thank you!
The artist captured your likeness exactly!! (And I speak from personal memory 🙂
How cool that you have a portrait of yourself as a young woman. And what a fun secret.
Thank you, thank you!! I find it so fascinating how artists hide these little clues in their work.
Yes that is definitely me at that age–he could paint anything. He did lots of magazine covers, movie posters that everyone would recognize; was so amazingly talented.
I think so too. At the time I didn’t realize or appreciate what a thoughtful and wonderful idea it was of my dad’s to think of that gift.
So nice to see (again, after so many years) my Dad’s portrait of you when you were younger..and I was moved to see my brother David’s name secretly inserted. You didn’t go on as a couple, but as friends forever, yes…and an eternal friend of the whole family! It’s the first time I’ve ever checked out someone’s blog …and sent in a comment! I’m impressed with your passion for your tile-work and how much you apply yourself in general to keeping busy and uplifted as much as possible. Bye! And @@@Season’s Greetings@@@ from Florence, Italy–my adopted hometown!!! Love, Annie
Annie–very honored that your first blog comment was on mine. Having this portrait, especially with David’s name hidden–is a treasure for me that links me to your family forever–not that I need a painting to feel connected to the Lettick family forever–including my children and including you in Italy. Much love to you and Happy Holidays.