‘Mona Lisa’ book author to visit library

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A new book looking at the influence of the “Mona Lisa” on artists over the years will be discussed by its author at the Champaign County Library on Saturday.

Author Erik Maell will visit the Champaign County Library, 1060 Scioto St., at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27, to talk about his book “Mona Lisa Reimagined.” The book is an anthology of hundreds of artists who were inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s classic painting “La Gioconda,” known as the “Mona Lisa.”

Maell, who lives in Europe now but grew up in Wapakoneta, received his bachelor’s degree from the Columbus College of Art and Design. He is a painter who has exhibited his atwork in solo and groups shows across the United States and Europe. He is also an illustrator and graphic designer who has worked in a variety of areas.

He wrote the book after first visiting the Louvre and experiencing the “Mona Lisa” for himself. He noted it was impossible for anyone to view it without “all of the baggage that accompanies it,” according to a press release. He began to explore theories on why the painting has been important to many for so many years. He also noticed a number of artists recreated the painting in their own styles. Maell said no other familiar and popular paintings have received that much attention.

The book investigates a number of images, noting artist, artwork title, media used, dimensions and the year of the artwork’s creation. Each piece includes background details of the artists’ inspiration on their Mona Lisa recreations.

For more information on the book or author, visit www.monalisareimagined.com.

There will be a book signing after the program at the library, with copies of the book available for purchase. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Library.

For more information, call the library at 937-653-3811.

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