Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Jackie's Charm Sparked US Visit by Mona Lisa

First lady persuaded French to loan painting, boost our culture

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Oct 9, 2008 2:42 PM CDT

(Newser) – Jackie Kennedy executed a diplomatic coup in 1962, when she convinced the smitten French culture minister to send the Mona Lisa on a perilous journey. The painting's visit to the US—"then regarded as a country with hardly any culture at all," in the words of one historian—is the focus of a new book by Margaret Leslie Davis excerpted in Vanity Fair.

The minister—novelist André Malraux, one of the first lady's favorite writers—went straight to president Charles de Gaulle to arrange for the weathered painting, already scarred with a rip and beetle holes, to make the 5-day journey. President Kennedy knew an opportunity when he saw one; he transformed the "Moner Liser" into a Cold War symbol of Western progress.

Her poplar panel warped, a split in the upper part of the picture, and beetle holes in the back made Louvre staff nervous about sending the Mona on another journey.
Her poplar panel warped, a split in the upper part of the picture, and beetle holes in the back made Louvre staff nervous about sending the Mona on another journey.   (AP Photo/Amel Pain, File)
Jacqueline Kennedy, pictured at an 'April in Paris' ball, loved all things French, including the pronunciation of her name.
Jacqueline Kennedy, pictured at an 'April in Paris' ball, loved all things French, including the pronunciation of her name.   (Getty Images)
After JFK's inauguration, Jackie announced the White House would become a showcase for great American art and artists.
After JFK's inauguration, Jackie announced the White House would become a showcase for great American art and artists.   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Angry Russian Hurls Cup at Mona Lisa

Louvre May Have Found New Leonardo Sketches

Ambitious Director Revives the Louvre


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne