What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
'Mona Lisa,' painted by Leonardo da Vinci, is known for its hidden mysteries, such as the portrait's cryptic smile.
According to Italian historian Silvano Vincenti, he claimed to have discovered hidden symbols in the eyes of the Mona Lisa that cannot be seen without assistance. These symbols include the initials "LV" in the right pupil, believed to be the painter's own.
The original version of this renowned artwork did not include an ermine. The use of reflective light technology uncovered that Leonardo da Vinci added the animal at a later time.
According to The Independent, recent studies of John Everett Millais' painting 'Isabella' have revealed hidden phallic symbols. The character in the foreground, wearing white tights, appears to be concealing an erection.
There are theories suggesting that the painting by Pietro Antonio Lorenzoni contains Masonic symbols. According to these theories, Mozart's hidden left hand may symbolize a specific rank within the secret society.
Hieronymus Bosch is highly regarded for his disorderly artworks, including the famous 'Garden of Earthly Delights.' The central message lies within the egg, positioned on top of the head of a horseman. This egg is carefully placed at the exact center of the painting.
It is speculated that Bosch's intention behind using external panels for the artwork was to create a self-contained and interactive experience. The painting, resembling an egg, is meant to be cracked and uncracked whenever someone engages with it.
'Girl with a Pearl Earring,' an artwork by Johannes Vermeer, has fascinated viewers for many years. Nevertheless, the question remains: what is hanging from her ear? According to some, the girl may not be wearing an earring at all. By examining closely, one can observe that there is no visible loop connecting the object to her ear. Consequently, many perceive the painting as an optical trick or illusion.
This artwork was made by the renowned artist Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel. Despite his difficult relationship with Pope Julius II, he depicted him as the biblical prophet Zechariah alongside two angels. However, one of the angels is portrayed making an offensive gesture known as "the fig," sparking speculation about its meaning in relation to the dislike between Michelangelo and Pope Julius II.
Pieter Bruegel's artwork created in 1559 depicts numerous proverbs and is approximated to encompass roughly 100 of them.
According to speculation, Edward Hopper's renowned painting from the 20th century might not actually portray a New York restaurant in Mulry Square, as previously believed. Instead, it seems to be a combination of various locations in the city.
This painting was created circa 1630 by the renowned Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn.
Advanced imaging methods have revealed an incomplete painting beneath layers of oil paint.
This artwork, found in the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, was painted by the Italian medieval artist Giotto in the 13th century.
According to The Telegraph, Chiara Frugoni, a medieval art expert, made the surprising discovery that an artist had concealed a grinning devil in the backdrop of the painting, which had gone unnoticed for many years. The information was revealed in an article discussing the finding.
The surreal painting by Salvador Dalí features melting clocks that were influenced by the sight of melting Camembert cheese, according to Mental Floss.
For a prolonged period, it was believed that the individual in this Caravaggio artwork represented a female. It wasn't until the early 20th century that art critics comprehended that it portrays a youthful male engaging in the masculine activity of playing a lute. This perception was influenced by the contemporary societal views on the instrument's association with masculinity.
Crafted by Sandro Botticelli, 'The Birth of Venus' is an iconic Renaissance masterpiece from the mid-1480s. Venus's golden hair is the focus here, as it curls around, creating a near mathematical curl that has since entranced viewers over the centuries. In the 17th century, mathematician Jacob Bernoulli named the curl 'spira mirabilis,' which translates into 'marvelous spiral.' It's said the same curl is seen in sea shells and in the movement of birds.
Certain scholars argue that Michelangelo's renowned painting contains a hidden depiction of a human brain within the figure of God. This observation raises questions about the potential symbolic significance behind the artwork.
Dutch artist Piet Mondrian painted the work after relocating to New York City. The piece visually represents Manhattan's city grid.
According to researchers, Van Gogh was able to portray the complex concept of turbulent flow in his painting, which is considered one of the most challenging ideas in physics and mathematics.
This well-known 1887 artwork by Van Gogh captures the vibrant hues found in nature.
In 2008, scientists from the Netherlands and Belgium utilized X-ray technology to uncover a concealed portrait situated behind this artwork.
The object depicted in the forefront of this painting by Hans Holbein the Younger, is indeed a human skull.
Painted in 1601 by Caravaggio, this artwork depicts Jesus revealing himself following his resurrection. Filled with religious symbolism, it features grapes symbolizing Christ's blood and a pomegranate representing his resurrection.
There are claims that Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Last Supper,' painted in the 15th century, may contain hidden messages. It has been suggested that certain parts of the painting represent musical notes and create a melody.
The 11th-century creation, known as 'The Bayeux Tapestry,' is not only an iconic artwork but also a captivating account of the Norman Conquest of England.
The climax of this story is the killing of King Harold, who was seemingly shot in the eye with an arrow. However, Harold is seen grabbing the arrow, which is said to be a metaphor for the reader's eyes, that have been pulled forward scene by scene.
There are mysteries and secrets hidden in many artworks that are not immediately apparent. The works of renowned artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh, and Pablo Picasso contain hidden messages and revealing details that often go unnoticed.
Intrigued? Discover the greatest secrets hidden in classic works of art by clicking through the gallery.
Classic artworks with hidden messages
Secrets and mysteries lurk behind each brushstroke
LIFESTYLE Art
There are mysteries and secrets hidden in many artworks that are not immediately apparent. The works of renowned artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh, and Pablo Picasso contain hidden messages and revealing details that often go unnoticed.
Intrigued? Discover the greatest secrets hidden in classic works of art by clicking through the gallery.