How Mona Lisa's Smile would have Panned Out on Instagram

How Mona Lisa's Smile would have Panned Out on Instagram

Written by Terry Lawson on November 27, 2025 at 9:17 AM

Ah, the Mona Lisa! That enigmatic smile, the one that has puzzled art enthusiasts for centuries. One might wonder, what did she eat for breakfast? Why is she smiling? Or, my favourite musing, what if Leonardo da Vinci had access to Instagram?

A Picture-Perfect Renaissance

Imagine Renaissance Italy, full of bustling markets, virtuoso artists, and the ever-present scent of fresh olives wafting through the air. In this lively mix of colour and noise, we have Leonardo, the ultimate multi-hyphenate. A painter, scientist, and now, an influencer, da Vinci would’ve been a superstar in the 21st century social media landscape.

Contrary to popular belief, the Mona Lisa might not have been limited to a single sitting. With Instagram’s myriad filters at his disposal, Leonardo could test different shades and lighting to achieve that subtle smile. In theory, he might have even live-streamed the process, engaging with comments like “Can you make her less mysterious?” or “Have you tried Valencia filter?”

From Canvas to Camera

Leonardo would no doubt relish in the likes and hashtags that Instagram offers. #SfumatoVibes might even trend for a bit. Much to the delight of marketers, Mona Lisa's official account could feature behind-the-scenes glimpses into her daily life. Imagine "Just a girl redefining misteriosa femininity, one smirk at a time! #LivingHistoric"

While the public might initially swoon over the aesthetics, critics, and they would be plentiful, may accuse Leonardo of ‘selling out’ to commercialism. But let’s face it, there’s nothing more Renaissance than evolving with the times. Plastering her face across sponsored post campaigns for toothpaste or facial tissue, Mona Lisa's smile could truly shine.

Influencer-ility and Interactions

To grasp this scenario better, consider a few potential engagement strategies Leonardo might employ:

  • Instagram Stories: Showing the steady evolution of the Mona Lisa, from initial sketch to final masterpiece, complete with 'behind the easel' antics.
  • Instagram Live: Q&A sessions where Da Vinci answers questions from followers about his inspirations, blending colours, or simply allows his creative community to decide the day’s painting palette.
  • Community Interaction: Da Vinci participating in the classic “Follow Friday” via a special series titled ‘Frescos over Brunch’, combining painting tips with quick geometry lessons and nimble anecdotes, of course.

Mona Lisa: Filtered or Fitness?

Our modern Mona would likely dabble in varied content. Imagine her keen endorsement of Leonardo’s anatomical sketches in a fitness segment, promoting ‘biceps with brushes’ arm exercises. Each post would be beautifully crafted, yet leave you with more profound questions about life, art, and yes, that smile!

The Muse’s Meme

Mona Lisa would undoubtedly become a viral sensation, her smile dissected through memes. ‘Why so serene?’ could be a trend, with celebrities and the hoi polloi alike attempting to mimic her expression across their posts.

Leonardo, ever the genius, might exclaim, “I once said that simplicity is the ultimate sophistication, but now there are downloadable apps!” all while monetising his insights on creativity and balance. Photoshop might shudder at the thought of him as an influencer, but truly, there’d be nothing richer than the layers of colourfully curated content.

A Legacy Likes Long Lasting

While da Vinci is celebrated for leaving an indelible impact on everything from engineering to fine arts, his hypothetical foray into the world of influencers would be nothing short of legendary. While we students of history can only speculate, I’m certain that had Leonardo had such a reach, we’d perhaps all stand before T-shirts emblazoned with the words: “Inventor, Painter, Influencer, Icon.”

So there you have it. From delicate brushstrokes to swipe-ups, the Mona Lisa would be more than just a masterpiece; she’d be an icon of our digital age. And Leonardo da Vinci? Well, he wouldn’t just be the father of the Renaissance; he’d be king of content, mural monarch, and like-leader all rolled into one.

Ah, how times truly haven’t changed, only the means of sharing our genius have!

Terry Lawson
Terry Lawson
Terry is a curious and imaginative writer with a passion for both history and technology. With a flair for humor, wit, and detailed storytelling, Terry paints vivid pictures of how historical figures and events might have unfolded differently if they had access to modern technology.