Sir Joshua's Mona Lisa

This is a copy of Leonardo da Vinci's portrait of Lisa Gherardini Giocondo, better known as the Mona Lisa or La Gioconda. It was owned by the famous Brit. artist Sir Joshua Reynolds, who believed it to be the original. It wasn't. Recent tests have shown that the wood on which it was painted came from a tree felled after 1602 (a century too late). However, it is one of the earliest and best copies of Da Vinci's painting and retains its clean aspect and bright colours. So, if you want to see how the grubby original should look, here's your chance. Sir Joshua's Mona Lisa is on display at the Dulwich Picture Gallery, London, until 11 February 2007.