Gauntlet Gallery — Ron English Print Index
Mona Lisa Grin
Summary
Mona Lisa Grin is a 2020 archival pigment print by Ron English in a limited edition of 100, sized 18 x 27 inches on 290gsm Moab fine art paper. It replaces Leonardo da Vinci's famously enigmatic smile with English's toothy grinning skull, colliding the world's most famous painting with his signature motif.
Why It Matters
Few images are more iconic than the Mona Lisa, and few motifs more personal to English than the grin, so their fusion is a definitive statement of his appropriation method. It turns Leonardo's subtle mystery into overt, grinning darkness, a witty and unsettling comment on how art icons are consumed and remixed.
Collector Perspective
The universal recognition of the Mona Lisa gives this print broad appeal, and the edition of 100 keeps it scarce. At 18 x 27 inches it makes a strong vertical statement. Collectors of English's grin series often prize the art-historical mashups highest; verify signature and numbering, and frame on archival Moab stock accordingly.
Historical Context
Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa is the most parodied painting in history, and English joins a long lineage of artists remixing it, from Duchamp onward. Layering his grin over Leonardo's smile marries canonical art history with his POPaganda vocabulary. The 2020 archival pigment edition anchors it in his print catalog.
FAQ
What does it reference?
Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, with her enigmatic smile replaced by Ron English's grinning skull motif.
What is the edition size?
A limited edition of 100, sized 18 x 27 inches.
What paper is used?
Archival pigment print on 290gsm Moab fine art paper.
Why the grin substitution?
It fuses English's most recognizable motif with the world's most famous painting, transforming Leonardo's subtle smile into overt grinning darkness.
About the Artist
Ron English is an American contemporary artist born in 1959, widely regarded as a founding figure of the "POPaganda" movement, which fuses pop art with political and cultural satire. He is known for subverting corporate advertising and cultural icons, creating characters such as MC Supersized and the three-eyed "Temper Tot," and reimagining figures like Ronald McDonald and cartoon mascots. English has worked across billboards, canvas, murals, and collectible art toys, and his imagery has appeared in films and album covers. His work critiques consumerism, mass media, and branding through a bright, hyper-pop visual language.
Collecting Ron English at Gauntlet Gallery
Where should I begin with Ron English?
Signed, numbered screenprints and giclees featuring his signature characters are strong entry points, while hand-embellished editions and originals sit at the top. His art toys and figures also draw dedicated collectors. Gauntlet Gallery prioritizes clean, well-registered impressions with complete signing.
How is authenticity documented?
Ron English works are sold with documented studio provenance and the artist's signature and numbering. We photograph the exact piece you receive, including the signature and edition details, so you can confirm authenticity before purchase.
What drives Ron English's value?
Iconic characters, edition size, hand-embellishment, condition, and documented provenance are the main value drivers. Low-numbered, embellished, and original works consistently outperform open or larger editions.