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Fogg Art Museum Scrapbooks, January 1950-April 1951

ARCH.2003.31, Rendition: 804151

Qwen, qwen.qwen3-vl-235b-a22b

This image displays a full-page article from Burrelle's Press Clipping Bureau, dated October 5, 1931, originating from the New York Mirror (Vol. 4, No. 1,064,279). The article is titled:

“Discovered: Another Real Mona Lisa!”

…and is authored by Charles A. Wagner.


Key Points of the Article:

The article reports on the alleged discovery of a second, authentic portrait of the Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci around 1506. This version, according to the article, was previously misidentified as a portrait of Vasari, and it had been hanging quietly in a private home in Hancock, New Hampshire, for decades.


Main Narrative:

  1. Original Attribution:

    • The portrait was long thought to depict the Florentine painter and architect Giorgio Vasari.
    • It had been passed down in the Vernon family since 1927.
  2. Re-attribution by Dr. Sites:

    • Dr. Thomas Judson, an art expert, and Mrs. Alice C. E. Vernon (who owned the painting) collaborated with Dr. Sites, an art expert from Antioch College.
    • Dr. Sites, after extensive research, concluded the painting was actually Leonardo’s original Mona Lisa, painted several years before the Louvre version.
  3. Historical Evidence:

    • The article references Vasari’s own writings, suggesting that Vasari copied Da Vinci’s original for his own collection.
    • It also mentions King Louis XII of France, who allegedly received the original Mona Lisa as a present from the Duke of Milan.
  4. The Vernon Family Connection:

    • In 1820, Francis Vernon, a Princeton graduate, visited Italy and acquired several works of art.
    • Among them was this Mona Lisa portrait, which passed down through the Vernon family and had been in the New England home for generations.
    • The article quotes Mr. William Vernon, who inherited the painting, saying the family never realized its true value until recent research.
  5. Contrast with the Louvre Version:

    • The article claims the Vernon version is “more natural,” “finer in color and execution,” and “more subtly and cleverly” painted than the Louvre version.
    • It suggests the Louvre painting may be a copy or a later version by Leonardo himself or his workshop.
  6. Provenance and Verification:

    • In 1933, Dr. Thomas Judson of Harvard, after examining the painting using X-ray and ultra-violet techniques, confirmed its authenticity.
    • He concluded it was painted in Leonardo’s “prime period,” around the same time as the Louvre version — suggesting Leonardo painted two versions.

Visual Elements in the Article:

  • Photograph of William Vernon: A portrait of the owner, Mr. William Vernon, accompanies the article.
  • Photograph of the “Vernon Mona Lisa”: A small, black-and-white reproduction shows the painting — a woman with dark hair, seated, with a neutral expression and a landscape background — matching the iconic Mona Lisa pose.
  • Photo of the Experts: A captioned photo shows Dr. Thomas Judson and Mrs. Alice C. E. Vernon, examining the painting together.

Conclusion and Quote:

The article ends with a dramatic quote from William Vernon:

“It would be a boon indeed if some noble benefactor would present it to the world and let it on a wall of the free Frick Museum…”

…expressing hope that the painting will be donated to a public institution so it can be properly appreciated.


Overall Tone and Purpose:

The article reads like a sensational, tabloid-style expose — typical of the New York Mirror — designed to captivate readers with the idea that a world-renowned masterpiece has been secretly living in an American home. It blends art history, family legend, and scientific verification to present a compelling (if contested) claim to re-write the story of the Mona Lisa’s origin.


⚠️ Note for Context: The claim that this is a “second real Mona Lisa” by Leonardo da Vinci was never widely accepted by the art historical community. The Louvre version remains the universally recognized original, and most scholars consider other versions — including this one — to be copies or derivatives by Leonardo’s students or followers. This article reflects the public fascination with Leonardo and the Mona Lisa that persisted throughout the 20th century.

Qwen, Qwen/Qwen2.5-VL-7B-Instruct

This image is a newspaper clipping from the "Mirror" newspaper, dated February 26, 1966. It is from New York, and the clipping is from the Burrelle's Press Clipping Bureau, established in 1888. The headline of the article reads, "Discovered: Another Real Mona Lisa!" by Charles A. Wagner.

The article discusses the discovery of another authentic Mona Lisa, which had been hanging quietly in a living-room wall in Hanover, New Hampshire. The story provides historical context about the painting, mentioning its various identifications and the conflicting claims about its authenticity.

The article includes two photographs:

  1. A black-and-white photograph of a woman sitting in front of the "Mona Lisa" painting.
  2. A black-and-white photograph of the Louvre's Mona Lisa.

The text also includes information about Dr. Thomas Judson, a renowned art expert, and his examination of the painting. The article highlights the intricate details of the painting, suggesting that it is a genuine work by Leonardo da Vinci.

The article is rich in historical information and discusses the story behind the painting's discovery and the various claims made about its authenticity.

Qwen, Qwen/Qwen2.5-VL-72B-Instruct

This image is a newspaper clipping from the "New York, N.Y. Mirror," dated February 26, 1938. The headline reads, "Discovered: Another Real Mona Lisa!" The article, written by Charles A. Wagner, discusses the discovery of another authentic Mona Lisa painting, which had been in the possession of an old American family in Hanover, New Hampshire, since 1797. The article provides historical context and details about the painting, including its provenance and the circumstances of its discovery.

The clipping includes two photographs: one of the Louvre's Mona Lisa and another of Dr. Thomas Judson, a renowned art expert, and Mrs. Alice C.E. Vernon, a co-owner of the second Mona Lisa, examining the painting. The article also mentions Dr. Stites, who in 1935 offered evidence that the "Gioconda" story was inaccurate. The text discusses various theories and historical events related to the painting, including its connection to Leonardo da Vinci, the French Revolution, and the German occupation of Paris during World War I. The clipping is from the Burrelle's Press Clipping Bureau in New York.

Amazon, amazon.nova-pro-v1:0

The image shows a page from a newspaper with a headline that reads "Discovered: Another Real Mona Lisa!" The headline is written in bold black letters and is accompanied by a subheading that reads "The Greatest Portrait in the World." The page features a black and white photograph of a man and a woman, who are both looking at a painting. The man is wearing glasses and a suit, while the woman is wearing a dress and a hat. The painting is of a woman with a smile on her face, and it is placed on a stand in front of the man and woman. The page also includes a caption that reads "The painting was discovered in a small town in Italy and is believed to be a genuine work by Leonardo da Vinci." The image is dated 1953 and is from the newspaper "The New York Times."

Amazon, amazon.nova-lite-v1:0

The image appears to be a clipping from a newspaper, specifically from the "Buekelles Press Clipping Bureau" located in New York City. The clipping contains an article titled "Discovered: Another Real Mona Lisa!" written by Charles A. Wagner. The article discusses the discovery of another authentic Mona Lisa painting, which has been hanging quietly and almost unnoticed in a Hanover, New Hampshire, family's home.

The article claims that this painting is a true portrait of Lisa Gherardini, the subject of the original Mona Lisa, and it reveals a fascinating story beyond the familiar belief that any other work is history. The painting is said to have been created by Leonardo da Vinci in 1506, based on a portrait by the artist on that date, which was signed by him.

The article also mentions that the painting was brought back to France by William Vernon, who was charged with the task of acquiring paintings for the king. The painting was eventually acquired by the family of Dr. Sittner, a famous Harvard professor, who examined and authenticated the painting as the original work by Leonardo da Vinci.

The article provides details about the painting's history, including its journey through various owners and its eventual discovery in the Hanover, New Hampshire, family's home. It also discusses the significance of the painting and its potential impact on the art world.

Amazon, us.amazon.nova-2-lite-v1:0

The image is a newspaper clipping from the Buffalo Evening News, dated February 7, 1971, featuring an article titled "Discovered: Another Real Mona Lisa!" The article is authored by Charles A. Wagner and discusses the discovery of a purported authentic version of Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting, the Mona Lisa.

Visual Elements:

  1. Headline:

    • The bold headline, "Discovered: Another Real Mona Lisa!", is prominently displayed at the top of the article, drawing immediate attention.
  2. Subheading and Byline:

    • Below the headline, the subheading reads: "The startling news that another authentic Mona Lisa has been hanging quietly and almost unnoticed on a living-room wall in Hanover, New Hampshire, adds a fascinating passage to art history and uncovers a true story beyond factual belief!"
    • The byline identifies the author as Charles A. Wagner.
  3. Photographs:

    • Top Right Image: A photograph of a man and a woman, presumably Dr. Thomas Judson and his wife, Alice C. Judson. The caption identifies them as the owners of the second Mona Lisa, describing it as the "great new find."
    • Bottom Left Image: A close-up of a painting titled "The Louvre's Mona Lisa", showing the famous Mona Lisa as it is known from the Louvre Museum. This image is used to compare the newly discovered version.
  4. Article Text:

    • The article is written in a journalistic style, detailing the discovery of a second Mona Lisa that allegedly hung in the living room of Dr. Thomas Judson in Hanover, New Hampshire. It discusses the history of the painting, its authenticity, and the reactions of experts.
    • Key points mentioned include:
      • The painting was identified by Dr. Vasari in the 16th century as the original Mona Lisa.
      • It was painted in 1503 by Leonardo da Vinci.
      • The painting was owned by the famous Florentine family, the Giocondi, and later passed through various hands.
      • Dr. Thomas Judson, an art expert, claims to have discovered the painting and believes it to be the authentic version.
      • The article references historical accounts, including Vasari’s writings and other art historians, to support the claim.
  5. Layout:

    • The article is formatted in a typical newspaper style, with columns of text and accompanying images.
    • The text is dense and includes quotes, historical references, and expert opinions.

Key Themes:

  • Authenticity Debate: The article revolves around the claim that a newly discovered painting is the "real" Mona Lisa, challenging the widely accepted version in the Louvre.
  • Historical Context: It references historical figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vasari, and the Giocondi family to build the narrative.
  • Expert Testimony: The article cites Dr. Thomas Judson and his wife, Alice, as well as other experts, to lend credibility to the discovery.

Overall Impression:

The image conveys a sense of intrigue and mystery, presenting a sensational claim about the discovery of a lost masterpiece. The combination of the bold headline, compelling photographs, and detailed narrative aims to capture the reader’s attention and provoke curiosity about the authenticity of the Mona Lisa.

OpenAI, gpt-4o-2024-11-20

This image is a newspaper clipping titled “Discovered: Another Real Mona Lisa!” by Charles A. Wagner, discussing the possibility of a second authentic Mona Lisa painting. The clipping is preserved by “Burrelle’s Press Clipping Bureau” with their label at the top left. The article describes how the painting was discovered, details its history with connections to Leonardo da Vinci and notable figures, and provides accounts of its authenticity.

There are two photographic images within the article:

  1. A reproduction of the Mona Lisa painting, labeled as "The Louvre’s Mona Lisa."
  2. A group of individuals examining the discovered painting, labeled as Dr. Thomas Judson, Mrs. Alice C. E. Vernon, and others. Their faces are blurred.

The article recounts intricate details about ownership, intrigue surrounding the artwork's provenance, and its validation process through technical examination.

OpenAI, gpt-4

The image appears to be a photograph or scanned image of a newspaper clipping from a publication called the New York Mirror. The text of the article is headlined "Discovered: Another Real Mona Lisa!" and discusses the discovery of another authentic Mona Lisa that has been hanging quietly on a living-room wall in Hanover, New Hampshire. The article features a significant amount of text discussing historical details and expert opinions relating to the art world, specifically the Mona Lisa.

In terms of visual elements, the newspaper clipping shows signs of age with some discoloration and frayed edges. There are three photographs included within the article, but the faces in these photographs have been obscured. The bottom left corner contains an image labeled "The Louvre’s Mona Lisa," also known as La Gioconda, which is recognized internationally as a masterpiece. The text likely goes on to detail the provenance of the newly discovered painting, comparisons with the Louvre's Mona Lisa, and the implications of such a find for the art world.

This historic and potentially significant discovery would be a topic of interest to art historians, collectors, and the general public intrigued by the mysteries surrounding famous artworks. The mention of the year 1936 in connection with the discovery suggests the article itself is from an earlier period.

OpenAI, gpt-4.1-mini-2025-04-14

The image shows a vintage newspaper clipping from Burrelle's Press Clipping Bureau, New York, dated February 25, 1951. The article, titled "Discovered: Another Real Mona Lisa!" by Charles A. Wagner, discusses the discovery of another authentic Mona Lisa painting hanging quietly and almost unnoticed in a living-room wall in Hanover, New Hampshire.

The article describes the portrait as rivaling the famous Mona Lisa in the Louvre, painting history, and mentions that this version was made by Leonardo Da Vinci in 1506. It explains that the painting was identified as the third wife of Francesco del Giocondo of Florence or Isabelle d'Este, the famous Marchioness, with some historical details and references to experts who examined and authenticated it.

The clipping includes two photographs:

  1. One shows the Louvre's Mona Lisa.
  2. The other shows Dr. Thomas Judson, a famed art expert, and Mrs. Alice C. E. Vernon, co-owner of the second Mona Lisa, examining the newly discovered piece.

The article also discusses the painting's provenance, its survival through historical events, and the intriguing story of how it came into a private collection in New Hampshire. It notes that the Veron family treasured this painting and considered it a remarkable and enigmatic work, claiming it to be possibly more subtle and elusive than the American Mona Lisa that hangs in the Louvre.

The text ends by stating the painting's importance and suggests it deserves a place in the Free Fogg Museum, which first recognized its significance.

OpenAI, gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07

This is a collage of a vintage newspaper clipping. Key details:

  • It looks like a reprint from Burrelle’s Press Clipping Bureau (the top left piece says Burrelle’s, established 1888, with their New York address).
  • The main headline reads: “Discovered: Another Real Mona Lisa!” and attributes the article to Charles A. Wagner.
  • The page is printed in a classic blackletter/serif newspaper style on tan-yellowed paper, with several narrow columns of text.
  • The article claims the discovery of a second authentic Mona Lisa and includes captions and bylines, mentioning people such as Dr. Thomas Judson and Mrs. Alice C. E. Vernon.
  • There are a few grayscale photographs: a large image of a Mona Lisa painting, and two photos of people (with faces blurred to protect identity) interacting with a framed artwork.
  • The overall look is vintage, with a slightly cut-out, irregular shape, giving the impression of a pasted newspaper clipping.

In short, it’s a retro, spoof-news clipping about a supposed second Mona Lisa, presented in a stylized, antiquated newspaper format.