When someone says "painting," one usually imagines Mona Lisa. And not without a reason. Mona Lisa is well known for her enigmatic smile, monumental composition, and famous author, of course. The painting is likely of the Italian noblewoman Lisa Gherardini, the wife of Francesco del Giocondo, hence the alternative name "La Gioconda." It took da Vinci about 3 years to complete it, and he finished it in about 1506. It's been described by John Lichfield as the "best known, the most visited, the most sung about, the most parodied work of art in the world." The last part is the most relevant in today's post.

We have come to know Mona Lisa so well that the original just doesn't cut it anymore. Hence digital artists far and wide have made their own little versions of Mona Lisa. From spoofs to spooks, the possible combinations are near-limitless. And since we know Mona Lisa so well, we can recognize her anywhere and in any way she appears.

The contestants at Design Crowd have surely delivered yet again. Design Crowd hosts open community competitions where people can test their Photoshop skills under various topics. Mona Lisa was definitely a topic that people wanted to put in the effort for. Perhaps it's the spirit of Leonardo's diligence that inspired them? Who knows. What we know is that despite these Photoshops, we'll still recognize Mona Lisa anywhere.

More info: designcrowd.com