7 Enigmatic Puzzles in the Realm of Art

For generations, the identity of the model in Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" and the secret behind her enigmatic smile have intrigued many. Why do her eyes appear to follow viewers? Researchers suggest that spatial frequency causes the smile to shift based on the viewer's perspective. Theories about the model range from her being the spouse of a wealthy benefactor to Leonardo possibly depicting himself in the portrait. Yet, the Mona Lisa is merely one of countless art world enigmas. Here are seven lesser-known but equally fascinating unsolved mysteries in art.

1. Did Caravaggio 'Confess' to a Crime in a Painting?

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, a luminary of the Italian Baroque, was celebrated for his innovative use of lighting. Known for his fiery temperament, he frequently engaged in altercations. In 1606, he fatally wounded a man during a trivial dispute and subsequently escaped to Malta. It was there, in 1608, that he painted his renowned work, "The Beheading of John the Baptist." This piece is unique as it bears his signature, intriguingly inscribed in the blood flowing from St. John the Baptist's severed neck.

After fleeing to Malta, Caravaggio became the court painter for the Order of St. John, which was aligned with the pope. Seeking papal clemency to return to Rome, his bloody signature might symbolize redemption through the Order or a confession to the murder in Rome. The signature, "f. michelang.", has sparked debate. Some interpret the "F" as "frater" or "brother," referencing his association with the order. Others believe it stands for fecit, a Latin term meaning "made," suggesting the signature could imply "Michelangelo made this" — a cryptic statement indeed.

2. Who Is the 'Girl With a Pearl Earring'?

In approximately 1665, Dutch master Johannes Vermeer created an alluring depiction of a young girl gazing over her shoulder, her lips slightly open. A strikingly large pearl dangles from her ear, and her eyes appear to follow the viewer wherever they move. For centuries, people worldwide have speculated about the identity of this captivating figure.

Some suggest she might have been Vermeer's daughter or lover, while others argue she was not a real individual but an enigmatic, timeless creation. Vermeer himself was a figure shrouded in mystery. He produced a limited number of artworks, and little is known about his life. What is known is that he was married and fathered 15 children.

Known as the "Mona Lisa of the North," this painting has been a part of The Hague's permanent collection since 1903. Yet, it continues to attract massive audiences whenever it is exhibited globally.

3. Where Is Raphael's 'Portrait of a Young Man'?

Confiscated by the Nazis, "Portrait of a Young Man" is regarded as one of the most significant artworks lost during World War II. Painted around 1513 by Raphael, a renowned Italian Renaissance master, it was stolen from Poland's Princes Czartoryski Museum in 1939.

Hans Frank, the Nazi General Governor of Poland, initially took possession of the painting, which was destined for Hitler's planned Führer Museum in Linz. The artwork was later moved between Germany and Austria before returning to Frank. By the time the Allies arrested him in 1945, the painting had disappeared.

Occasional rumors suggest the painting is held by a private collector abroad, but no evidence has ever been substantiated. Today, the Polish government owns the Czartoryski collection. If recovered, the painting would be displayed in the Princes Czartoryski Museum, where its original frame still hangs, awaiting its return. Many believe the portrait to be a self-depiction of Raphael.

4. Who or What Is Banksy?

Among the art world's greatest enigmas is the concealed identity of Banksy, who continues to produce work today. Banksy — speculated by some to be a collective of artists — gained attention in the early 1990s for distinctive street art and graffiti. The works often convey social or political messages, blending poignancy with humor. Despite high-profile projects like the 2010 documentary "Exit Through the Gift Shop" (nominated for an Academy Award), Banksy has successfully maintained anonymity.

Many believe Banksy is British; during the "Greatest Britons 2007" awards, Banksy triumphed in the Arts category, surpassing Antony Gormley and Sam Mendes. In a playful nod to their elusive identity, the artist(s) arranged portable toilets in a Stonehenge formation at England's 2007 Glastonbury Festival.

5. Was Van Gogh Murdered?

A widely known fact about Vincent van Gogh is that he severed his own ear, likely due to severe mental health struggles, possibly depression. Despite being celebrated as a genius today, he sold only one painting during his lifetime. He died in 1890 at 37, officially from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at close range.

While this explanation aligns with his mental state, no gun was discovered near his body. Locals reported that two teenage boys had harassed him shortly before his death. Theories, including those presented in the films "Loving Vincent" (2017) and "At Eternity's Gate" (2018), as well as the 2011 biography "Van Gogh: The Life," suggest that René Secrétan, one of the bullies, may have fired the shot. Secrétan, known to own a faulty gun, could have been involved in an accidental shooting. In a 1957 interview, Secrétan denied responsibility but admitted to possessing a pistol van Gogh might have taken. The biographers speculate that van Gogh, perhaps resigned to his fate, did not accuse the boys before his death.

6. Did Hitler Really Do These Paintings?

In his younger years, Adolf Hitler aspired to be a painter. However, after being turned down by art school, he shifted his focus to other ambitions, ultimately becoming the infamous dictator responsible for the Holocaust. For years after his death, Hitler's artworks were largely disregarded. They were deemed mediocre, and many viewed owning them as unethical. Despite this, numerous counterfeit pieces emerged, many of which were poorly executed.

In the early 2000s, a niche market for Hitler's paintings emerged, driving up their prices. However, a significant challenge arose: how to authenticate his original works. With so many inaccurate forgeries, experts often struggle to distinguish genuine Hitler pieces. One method involves comparing suspected works with verified examples in Bavaria's state archive, though only a few exist. Germany has since implemented stricter regulations on the sale of Hitler's art to curb the circulation of fakes.

7. Who Pulled Off the Gardner Heist?

A $10 million reward awaits anyone who can uncover the identity of the thieves behind the 1990 theft of 13 masterpieces from Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. This heist, involving works by Vermeer and Rembrandt valued at $500 million in 2020, stands as the largest art theft in history. What exactly transpired?

Two individuals disguised as police officers executed the robbery after subduing and restraining the untrained security guards on duty. The thieves carefully removed the artworks from their frames and took the security camera tapes, none of which captured the gallery areas. Intriguingly, the heist lasted an unusually long 90 minutes, far exceeding the typical three-minute duration of such crimes.

Despite decades of investigations and leads, the stolen artworks remain missing. The empty frames now hang in their original locations, serving as a haunting reminder of the crime. A $10 million reward is offered for information leading to the recovery of all 13 pieces, with an additional $100,000 for the return of any single item.