Behind these famous works of art lie incredibly fascinating secrets that will make you exclaim, “Oh, so that’s what it means!”

The most controversial image: the “craziest” overpass bridge in the world — a design mistake or a calculated masterpiece?
Only people with sharp minds can find all 26 letters hidden in this picture.
This classic painting by Van Gogh contains a mystery that no one has fully uncovered to this day.

Artists leaving hidden details in their works is nothing unusual, yet these secrets never fail to leave viewers utterly astonished once discovered. And the more famous the artwork, the greater the curiosity — and the bigger the sense of amazement. Let’s take a look at what’s hidden behind seven famous paintings.

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1. The Letters “LV” in Mona Lisa’s Right Eye

Members of Italy’s National Committee for Cultural Heritage discovered the letters “LV” hidden inside the right eye of the famous Mona Lisa during their research. They believe this was Leonardo da Vinci’s way of leaving his signature within the painting.

Another hidden message in the artwork is the number 72, located beneath the bridge near Mona Lisa’s right shoulder. It is believed that this bridge represents the bridge in the town of Bobbio, which was destroyed by a flood in 1472.

2. Man or Woman?

For a long time, the figure in The Lute Player by the renowned painter Caravaggio was believed to be a woman.

It wasn’t until the early 20th century that art analysts pointed out the figure was actually a young man with delicate features. The evidence lies in the sheet music on the table, which belongs to a song by composer Jacques Arcadelt containing the line “You know I love you and adore you” — a love song sung by a man to a woman.

Additionally, instruments such as the violin and flute were traditionally associated with male musicians during that era.

3. Hidden Turbulence in Van Gogh’s Masterpiece

Turbulence is a special physical phenomenon commonly observed in flowing water, clouds, or smoke. It occurs when fluid motion becomes chaotic due to variations in pressure and velocity, and analyzing turbulence has long been a major challenge for physicists.

For this reason, when examining Van Gogh’s iconic The Starry Night, researchers began to wonder whether the Dutch master had an interest in physics in addition to painting.

5. The “Invisible” Whale Carcass

Beneath the peaceful appearance of a Dutch beach painting lies a secret kept hidden for over 150 years.

During restoration, experts discovered that the original version of the painting depicted the carcass of a beached whale. The painter, Hendrick van Anthonissen, likely believed the painting’s message would be more appealing and accessible if the unfortunate whale were removed.

6. The Woman — and No Ermine at All

The original version of Lady with an Ermine did not include an ermine. Leonardo da Vinci later added a gray ermine and a blue garment, before eventually enlarging the animal and changing it to white.

One theory suggests the woman in the painting was the wife of Duke Ludovico Sforza, who was symbolically represented by the ermine, as it was part of the Sforza family crest. Duke Ludovico Sforza was also a major patron of da Vinci and many other Renaissance artists.

7. Persephone and Hades

American Gothic by Grant Wood was originally intended as a portrait of a farmer and his daughter standing in front of their home, satirizing the ostentatious nature of the rural American middle class of the time.

However, many people believe the painting depicts a married couple due to the small age gap between the two models — Wood’s sister and his dentist.

Because of this interpretation, the painting is also seen as a modern portrayal of Persephone and Hades, the god of the underworld. This comparison stems from the woman’s resigned expression and accessories, as well as the man’s intimidating demeanor and pitchfork-like tool.

If you look closely at the bottom-right corner of the painting, you can see the artist’s name along with the year 1930, when the work was completed.