Famous archeologist wants ‘Mona Lisa’ to return to Italy

Posted On July 24, 2024July 24, 2024

Egypt’s leading archeologist Zahi Hawass has shared his ambitions to work with Italy to bring back Leonardo da Vinci‘s Mona Lisa to the European country.

The item is currently on show in the Louvre in Paris, France, but Hawass is confident that he can work with the Italian culture minister to bring the famous artwork back to its rightful home. The early 16th century painting is the most recognisable piece of art in the world, but despite its Italian origins, has been on show in France for hundreds of years.

da Vinci’s piece of Italian renaissance art was acquired by King Francis I of France in 1519, shortly after the Italian’s death. After King Francis I became the owner of the artwork, it has belonged to the French Republic and has been on display in the Louvre since 1797.

Notably, in 1911, Vincenzo Peruggia, a former employee at the Louvre, broke into the museum and stole the painting. Peruggia made his way back to Italy with the Mona Lisa in tow, but before he could sell the item, he was arrested, and for a short time, the artwork was displayed in Italy. It returned to the Louvre in 1913.

Now, Hawass has told an Italian news agency that he can help return the item to Italy. Speaking at the Isola del Libro literature festival, Hawass said of working with Italian culture minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, “Yes, I will talk to the minister when I see him. Italy and I can join together to return Italy’s stolen artefacts. The Gioconda [Mona Lisa] is the most important thing. It has to come back to Italy.”

Furthermore, Hawass also said that he believes the Rosetta Stone, The Bust of Nefertiti, and the Dendera zodiac should all be returned to Egypt. The three ancient items are currently displayed in London, Berlin and Paris respectively.

According to The Art Newspaper, Hawass has since distanced himself from comments made at the Italian literature festival, writing on Facebook regarding the Mona Lisa, “I did not say that I will not return the Jukonda [sic]”.

The debate surrounding the Mona Lisa has been rumbling on for centuries, but has been amplified over recent years. In 2014, Hollywood star George Clooney said while promoting his movie, The Monument Men, “I think you have a very good case to make about your artefacts. Maybe it wouldn’t be a bad thing if they were returned. I think that is a good idea. That would be a very fair and very nice thing. I think it is the right thing to do.”

Furthermore, in 2023, Italian cyclist Alberto Bettiol said on X during the Tour de France following a meeting with President Macron: “Monsieur le Président, please give us back the Monna Lisa and thanks for coming to the Tour.”

Whether Hawass is involved in bringing the Mona Lisa back to Italy remains to be same, but the mission is certainly ongoing.

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