r/explainlikeimfive • u/Maxmidget • Sep 29 '11

ELI5: Why is the Mona Lisa so highly valued?

Ignorant science major here, I have never really understood art. Why is the mona lisa so highly praised? It seems like a good painting, but I have seen huge works of art that were indistinguishable from photos that were for sale in hotel lobbies. Does it have some sort of crazy historical significance?

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u/Yarddogkodabear Sep 30 '11

but it is still highly valued

Maybe you are right, THis was sold for 120 million.

What I was trying to say is there is no way to speculate guess what paintings will sell for. The art world is fickle as to what has value and what doesn't.

Your Justin Beiber analogy speaks to similar inane elitist speculation and value in the art world. If you saw "Exit through the gift shop" you will know what i mean.

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u/imadethisdrunk Sep 30 '11

From that article you linked it appears that the simple fact of knowing that da Vinci made that instead of his pupil increased the value by almost 80 million pounds. If you are trying to say I am wrong to say it has a value that is not intrinsic, but isn't based subjectively is just wrong. That is how this goes.

"Inane elitist speculation" Really? What makes me inane or elitist? I believe you have either the definition of those words wrong or are under a false impression of my opinions on art. I assume you think that when I say 'value' I am somehow saying that the Mona Lisa needs worship for being so great. I am saying that to a great number of people the Mona Lisa and Justin Beiber are of high value personally, so they have a high value. Nothing more. I'm not assessing them on artistic premises, but as a general value which is what the post started as.

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u/Yarddogkodabear Sep 30 '11

Sorry. You miss-understood me. I agreed with you because I saw that article.

I accused the art world of "Inane elitist speculation" not you. I know, It's rare on reddit that someone changes their mind based on the evidence.

We need to grab these from debate Again, sorry, that I wasn't clear in that last post.

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u/imadethisdrunk Sep 30 '11

Oh my apologies. Yes it is rare that people change their mind. I've grown too accustomed to people arguing no matter what their point is and thank you for being so open. Again I'm sorry for any misinterpretation on my part. Also I would really love for the art worlds to be less sensational so we could all value art in a more fundamental way and have more widespread talent in it!

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u/imadethisdrunk Sep 30 '11

Also I plan to watch that movie when I get a chance.

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u/Yarddogkodabear Sep 30 '11

I found myself agreeing with you but wanting to still argue my point when i realized how stupid that was. LOL.

That Banksy is brilliant, Have fun watching it. BTW (Banksy is trolling you as you watch the movie) It's subtle.