The significance of the Mona Lisa in art history lies partly in its artistic mastery and its enigmatic subject, portrayed by Leonardo da Vinci during the Italian Renaissance. Completed in the early 16th century, the painting showcases Da Vinci's pioneering techniques in sfumato, which creates soft transitions between colors and tones, enhancing its three-dimensional quality. The subject's serene expression and mysterious smile have captivated viewers for centuries, prompting numerous interpretations. The Mona Lisa's fame was further amplified by its theft in 1911 and its portrayal in popular culture. Today, it remains a symbol of art's power and allure, housed in the Louvre Museum.