In the 1960s, a controversial artwork hung above the fireplace in the London apartment of art dealer Henry Pulitzer. This was not just any piece of art – it was said to be a potential early version of Leonardo da Vinci's famous Mona Lisa.

Is it possible that this was the original, lost piece, painted before the version now displayed in the Louvre?

The painting, dubbed the "Early Mona Lisa," became the focal point of a heated debate over ownership and authenticity. For more than five decades, questions surrounding the painting's origin and rightful owner have sparked a mystery, drawing in international conspiracies and involving secretive offshore companies. But is it truly a da Vinci? Does it have the potential to be worth millions?

The Mona Lisa Foundation's Claims

In 2012, an organization called the "Mona Lisa Foundation" made headlines worldwide by claiming this painting was a second, previously unknown Mona Lisa by da Vinci himself. If true, it would shake the entire art world, as the Mona Lisa is not only one of the most famous paintings but also one of the greatest works ever created by da Vinci.

The Foundation presented a range of evidence to support its claims, although strangely, they stated that they didn't actually own the painting. Instead, it was allegedly owned by an anonymous international consortium. When asked about the owner, the Foundation's Secretary General, Joel Feldman, refused to comment, citing the organization's compliance policies.

The Gilberts' Claim to the Painting

While the Foundation took its stance, a couple from South London, Andrew and Karen Gilbert, had a different story to tell. They claimed to own 25% of the painting. When the Mona Lisa Foundation announced its findings in 2012, the Gilberts contacted them, only to be told they weren't the rightful owners. The couple felt rejected and frustrated, as they had been trying to trace the painting's owner for years but had no success.

The Gilberts are now hoping that recent developments in the case will finally prove their claims. Could it be possible that this painting – potentially worth hundreds of millions – was hidden in plain sight all along?

The $450 Million Painting

A similar story unfolded with da Vinci's Salvator Mundi. In 1958, the painting sold for just £45 ($55). But two years ago, it was purchased for a staggering $450 million at auction. The key difference? A team of international experts authenticated it as a genuine da Vinci.

Could this "Early Mona Lisa" follow the same path? Could a new discovery forever change the art world?

Professor Isbouts' Confirmation

To authenticate the painting, the Mona Lisa Foundation called upon Professor Jean-Pierre Isbouts from the United States. After spending hours examining the painting in a Swiss vault, he was convinced: this was indeed a da Vinci. According to Isbouts, scientific testing also supports the painting's authenticity, linking it to the early 16th century and confirming the artistic style as da Vinci's.

Isbouts pointed out that da Vinci was known to have painted Mona Lisa for two separate clients. This increases the likelihood that two separate versions of the painting exist, which could explain the differences between the Early Mona Lisa and the version displayed in the Louvre.

Disagreement and Doubts

However, not everyone agrees. Martin Kemp, a world-renowned authority on da Vinci at Oxford University, dismisses the claims. He argues that the supposed "incompleteness" of the Mona Lisa mentioned by the 16th-century biographer Giorgio Vasari refers to a later phase when da Vinci was no longer in Florence, making it unlikely that he painted two versions.

Professor Kemp also disagrees with the historical evidence suggesting multiple Mona Lisas exist. While scientific testing may offer some support, Kemp believes the painting is more likely to be a later reproduction or even a copy.

The Mysterious History of the Painting

The origins of the Early Mona Lisa are also shrouded in mystery. In 1913, art dealer Hugh Blaker purchased the painting from a Somerset estate. Blaker believed he had discovered a genuine da Vinci but never had the resources to promote the piece properly. After Blaker's death, the painting eventually found its way into the hands of Henry Pulitzer, who believed it was a more impressive version than the one in the Louvre.

Legal Battles and Ownership Disputes

Fast forward to today, and the Gilberts are still fighting for their 25% share. They claim to have bought their stake from Pulitzer's family in 1964. The painting changed hands over the years and was eventually locked away in a Swiss bank vault. It wasn't until 2008 that an international consortium gained control.

Now, with the help of Art Recovery International's Christopher Marinello, the Gilberts have filed a lawsuit in Florence, aiming to settle the ownership dispute once and for all.

Caribbean Ties and the Legal Challenge

The lawsuit has revealed that the painting's ownership might be linked to a company registered in Anguilla, a British overseas territory in the Caribbean known for its discreet business dealings. While this doesn't directly confirm the Gilberts' claims, it does raise questions about the true owner.

The Mona Lisa Foundation, however, strongly opposes the Gilberts' claims. Their legal team argues that the Gilberts are motivated by financial interests and a desire to undermine the Foundation's work.

What's Next for the Early Mona Lisa?

The legal battle is far from over, but as this 500-year-old mystery unfolds, we can only wonder: could the Early Mona Lisa eventually be recognized as a lost masterpiece by da Vinci?

Whether it's a genuine da Vinci or not, the intrigue surrounding the painting continues to captivate art lovers and scholars alike. As for da Vinci, his name will undoubtedly remain one of the most celebrated in cultural history. Would he have enjoyed the fame? We think so – after all, he loved being in the spotlight!

We're curious, Lykkers, what do you think? Could this be the real deal? Would you love to see it in the Louvre? Let us know your thoughts!