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Fogg Art Museum Scrapbooks, January 1950-April 1951

ARCH.2003.31, Rendition: 804151

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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.

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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.

Meta, us.meta.llama3-2-11b-instruct-v1:0

The image shows a newspaper clipping with the headline "Discovered: Another Real Mona Lisa!" and a photo of the painting.

  • The clipping is from the New York Mirror, dated 1939.
    • The article discusses the discovery of a previously unknown version of the Mona Lisa.
    • It mentions that the painting was created by Leonardo da Vinci in 1513.
    • The article also includes a quote from Dr. Thomas Jackson, who examined the painting and confirmed its authenticity.
  • The photo shows the painting, which is similar to the famous Mona Lisa but has some differences in its facial expression and clothing.
    • The painting is depicted in a black and white photograph.
    • The background of the photo is a plain gray color.
  • The clipping is placed on a light gray background, which helps to highlight the details of the clipping.

Overall, the image suggests that the discovery of the new Mona Lisa has caused excitement and interest among art enthusiasts and historians. The clipping provides more information about the painting and its significance, while the photo allows readers to see the painting for themselves.

Meta, us.meta.llama3-2-90b-instruct-v1:0

This image presents a newspaper clipping from the New York Mirror, dated February 7, 1955. The article, titled "Discovered: Another Real Mona Lisa!", is written by Charles A. Wagner and features two photographs of the Mona Lisa. The first photograph depicts Dr. Thomas Judson, an expert, and Mrs. Alice C. E. Vernon, co-owner of the second Mona Lisa, examining the painting. The second photograph shows a portrait of Mona Lisa's husband, also referred to as "the Louvre's Mona Lisa".

The article discusses the discovery of another authentic Mona Lisa in Hanover, New Hampshire, which has been hanging quietly and unnoticed on a living room wall. The painting is attributed to Leonardo da Vinci and is believed to be one of his most famous works. The article also mentions that the painting has been authenticated by experts and is considered to be a significant discovery in the art world.

Overall, the image provides a glimpse into the discovery of a rare and valuable piece of art, and highlights the importance of preserving and protecting cultural heritage.

Meta, us.meta.llama4-maverick-17b-instruct-v1:0

The image is a vintage newspaper clipping featuring an article about the discovery of another authentic "Mona Lisa" painting.

Key Elements:

  • The clipping is from the "Bubkelles" Press Clipping Bureau, dated March 7, 1951.
  • The headline reads, "Discovered: Another Real Mona Lisa!" in large font.
  • The article is written by Charles A. Wagner and discusses the discovery of a second "Mona Lisa" painting, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci.
  • The article includes a photograph of Dr. Thomas-Judson Vernon and his wife, Alice C. de Vernon, co-owners of the second "Mona Lisa."
  • The clipping also features two images of the "Mona Lisa" paintings, one of which is the well-known version in the Louvre Museum.

Article Content:

The article discusses the discovery of a second "Mona Lisa" painting, which is claimed to be an authentic work by Leonardo da Vinci. The painting is owned by Dr. Thomas-Judson Vernon and his wife, who are experts in the field of art. The article provides details about the painting's history, including its provenance and the methods used to authenticate it.

Overall:

The image is a fascinating glimpse into the world of art history and the ongoing debate about the authenticity of famous paintings. The discovery of a second "Mona Lisa" painting is a significant find, and the article provides valuable insights into the painting's history and significance.

Meta, us.meta.llama4-scout-17b-instruct-v1:0

The image presents a vintage newspaper clipping, yellowed with age, featuring an article about the discovery of another Mona Lisa. The clipping is titled "Discovered: Another Real Mona Lisa!" and includes a black-and-white photograph of Dr. Thomas-Judson, Mrs. Alice C. E. Vernon, and an unknown Mona Lisa.

Newspaper Clipping Details:

  • Title: "Discovered: Another Real Mona Lisa!"
  • Author: Charles A. Wagner
  • Photograph: A black-and-white photo of Dr. Thomas-Judson, Mrs. Alice C. E. Vernon, and an unknown Mona Lisa
  • Content: The article discusses the discovery of another Mona Lisa, providing details about its history and authenticity

Visual Elements:

  • Background: A light gray background that provides contrast to the yellowed newspaper clipping
  • Layout: The clipping is arranged in a clear and organized manner, with the title and photograph prominently displayed

Overall Impression:

The image effectively conveys the excitement and significance of the discovery of another Mona Lisa, with the vintage newspaper clipping adding a sense of nostalgia and historical importance. The use of a light gray background helps to highlight the details of the clipping, making it easy to read and understand.