A Silkscreen Painting - Essay Example

The diptych presents the face of Marilyn Monroe from the images in her film Niagara. Marilyn was an icon that won the hearts of many American G.I.s much to the dismay of Joe Di Maggio. Visually, half of the diptych is expressed in bright colors while the other half is black and white to the point if being blurred. Many critics interpreted the dark diptych as the mortality of Marilyn Monroe. Also, repetitive images represent the ability of technology to command attention or power.Contrastingly, the Mona Lisa is bereft of any technology.

It is purely a work of art that depicts a woman who belonged to high-society. Her posture during the painting reflects a woman with breeding and gentle nature. Her face is given emphasis by the contrast of dark colors in the background. Her gaze silently communicates many messages to the viewer. Another comment by Farago ( 2009 ) interprets the placement of Lisa’s hands ( right resting on the left ) as Leonardo’s portrayal of Mona Lisa as a woman of virtue and a loyal wife. Andy Warhol also created serigraph prints of Mona Lisa as a way of reducing her popularity and converting her to a popular icon such as Marilyn Monroe.

Nevertheless, Mona Lisa cannot be reduced to a modern icon, her tasteful portrait and enigmatic smile have never failed to attract even the harshest critics. Besides, her true nature as Lisa del Giocondo, the wife of a wealthy Florentine silk merchant cannot be denied. However, no matter how different the two artworks may be, the appeal of the feminine is always used in expressing art.WORKS CITEDFarago, Claire J. (1999), Leonardos Projects, C. 1500-1519, Taylor and Francis, ISBN 0815329350