Mona Lisa to be 'gifted' to Roman citizens

American Mystery Solver Set To Prove Mona Lisa Was Not Painted in Florence

LOS ANGELES, CA - August 15, 2011 --  “The idea that the Mona Lisa was painted in Florence is the biggest red herring in art history,” says Scott Lund, an investigative writer who claims he can prove a silk merchant's wife living there was not the subject of Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece.

Leonardo left Milan in 1499 after an invasion by the King of France sent its ruling Sforza family fleeing the city. Rather than settling in Florence as is generally believed, Lund says Leonardo then sought safety and new patrons in Rome, which was preparing for its grand Jubilee of 1500.

“Leonardo started painting the Mona Lisa in Rome before the date of 1503 accepted by historians,” says Lund. “And I know where he painted it!”

The Los Angeles-based author of the "Mona Lisa Code" is presenting Leonardo's startling secret on Saturday, September 10, at 3 p.m. in the public square near the Colosseum in Rome. The historic event will be covered by international news media and filmed for the benefit of posterity.

Lund's revelation occurs ironically 100 years after the Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre by a thief who wanted to return it to Florence. He believes that solving the greatest mystery in art history is a gift to the citizens of Rome that they can share proudly with all Italians.

“I realize that there are a lot of people in Florence who will be disappointed by my findings, but the Mona Lisa has nothing to do with their wonderful city. It is the Romans who are the true heirs to Leonardo's iconic creation, and I intend to prove it on 9/10/11,” says Lund.



For more information visit:
www.MonaLisaCode.com

For Press Relations contact Elizabeth Venturini:
Elizabeth@MonaLisaCode.com

To view video of the Mona Lisa Code visit:
www.youtube.com/user/MonaLisaCode

To view 9/10/11 event announcement in English visit:
www.monalisacode.com/images/91011english.jpg

To view 9/10/11 event announcement in Italian visit:
www.monalisacode.com/images/91011italian.jpg