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The Rest Is History

667. The Mystery of the Mona Lisa

The Rest Is History

Goalhanger

History

4.6 • 26.6K Ratings

🗓️ 6 May 2026

⏱️ 74 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Is there a secret meaning behind the Mona Lisa’s famously ambiguous smile? What light does the painting shed upon Renaissance Italy, and Leonardo da Vinci himself? And, who is the mysterious man or woman in the painting…?  Join Dominic and Tom as they unfold the secret history behind the world’s most famous painting, and delve into the story behind its creator and creation. Join The Rest Is History Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to every series and live show tickets, a members-only newsletter, discounted books from the show, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at the⁠restishistory.com⁠ To read our new newsletter, sign up at: ⁠therestishistory.com/newsletters⁠ _______ Lloyds. 250 years on and still backing the nation's aspirations. _______ Advertise with us: Partnerships@goalhanger.com _______ Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Video Editors: Jack Meek, Harry Swan + Adam Thornton Social Producer: Harry Balden Producers: Tabby Syrett & Aaliyah Akude Senior Producer: Callum Hill Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0

This episode is brought to you by Lloyds, which has been backing British ambition for over 250 years.

0:09.8

Now, when you think about it, every dynasty in history has boiled down to two important elements,

0:18.3

aspiration and action. And a classic example of this from British history,

0:24.5

the rise of the House of Wessex, the family of Alfred the Great and his heirs, who between

0:30.8

them established the United Kingdom of England. Yeah, it's great story, isn't it, Tom?

0:36.1

Great lesson in leadership, I think, for anybody. So Alfred and his heirs, they marry idealism and pragmatism.

0:44.1

They're brilliant at alliances. They're brilliant at managing power. They're brilliant,

0:48.0

of course, at managing their money, which is a key part of political leadership. And, of course,

0:51.8

we are all reaping the rewards of their wisdom and

0:54.3

foresight. When it's time to make your next move, you can bank on Lloyds to be ready when you are.

1:01.7

Because from new businesses to new homes and new life chapters, backed by generations of hope and

1:08.0

ambition, you can see, Tom, why 14 million people trust Lloyds to help

1:14.6

make their dreams a reality. Based on Lloyd's internal customer data from March 26.

1:25.3

This episode is brought to you by Titanic Belfast.

1:30.0

Some stories are best understood where they began. You can read about Titanic anywhere,

1:35.6

but in Belfast you understand the scale, the ambition and the city that made her.

1:43.0

Titanic Belfast stands beside the slipways where she was built.

1:47.0

Recent investment has enhanced the experience how the ship was imagined, designed and brought to life.

1:55.0

Tickets include entry to SS Nomadic, the last remaining White star line vessel, which carried passengers to Titanic.

2:03.0

Inside, the story comes into focus.

2:05.9

From the sheer scale of Titanic, brought to life through a 7.6 metre model and projection,

2:11.9

to the stories of the people who built her and what she meant to them.

...

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