Special Programmes of the exhibition “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Meet Mona Lisa & Portraying the Renaissance” — Talks

1. Opening Talk: Why Mona Lisa? Discover What’s So Special About the Most Famous Painting in the World*

This talk will explore the historical context of the Mona Lisa, the identity of the sitter, and Leonardo da Vinci's artistic and intellectual explorations. It will also introduce the latest scientific and technological findings, revealing the secrets behind the creation of this iconic masterpiece.

Date: 1 May 2026 (Fri)
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Language: English
Speaker: Mr Vincent Delieuvin, Chief Curator of Italian Painting of the Sixteenth Century, Musée du Louvre, France

2. Leonardo da Vinci as a Renaissance Man – His Life and Masterpieces

Leonardo da Vinci was the most wide-ranging genius in the history of Western art. The ultimate “Renaissance Man”, he revolutionised art by combining it with scientific observation. His talent is truly unparalleled, and his endless creativity continues to inspire us today. This talk will take you on a journey through his extraordinary life to rediscover his timeless masterpieces.

Date: 16 May 2026 (Sat)
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Language: Cantonese
Speaker: Dr Chan Chiu Chung, Tommy, Lecturer at the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education

3. Discover Renaissance Jewels#

During the Renaissance (14th–17th centuries), European jewellery entered a true "golden age" of craftsmanship. From the Order of the Golden Fleece to the Peregrina Pearl, these pieces inspired generations. This talk will explore the exquisite ornaments found in paintings and royal portraits and examine how the jewellery aesthetics of the Renaissance live on in pop culture today.

Date: 7 June 2026 (Sun)
Time: 2:30pm – 4:30pm
Language: English
Speaker: Ms Mathilde Berger-Rondouin , Art Historian and Ms Laure Raibaut, Lecturer at L’ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts

4. Mona Lisa and the Multiple Meanings of Portraiture in the Renaissance*

Dr Isabelle Frank, an Art Historian, will discuss the originality of the Mona Lisa and how it broke the mould of female portraiture in the late 15th and early 16th century, through its forms, positioning, painting techniques and psychological insights.

Date: 20 June 2026 (Sat)
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Language: English
Speaker: Dr Isabelle Frank, Art Historian

5. The Tactile Experience in the Museum*

Dr Rico Chan, Founder & CEO of Beyond Vision International, will guide the audience on an exploration of Renaissance art across time, boundaries and sensations, focusing on the artistic achievements of Leonardo da Vinci. The talk will introduce the crucial role of tactile experiences during museum visits, prompting a re-examination of the relationship between audiences and artworks.

Date: 4 July 2026 (Sat)
Time: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Language: English
Speaker: Dr Rico Chan, Founder & CEO of Beyond Vision International

6. Mona Lisa x Conservation

Ms Angela Liu and Ms Kit Wong, both from the Conservation Office at the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will discuss the importance of conservation in museums and share behind-the-scenes stories from the exhibition.

Date: 25 July 2026 (Sat)
Time: 3:00pm – 4:30pm
Language: Cantonese
Speakers: Ms Angela Liu, Curator (Conservation) 3D Objects of the Conservation Office, and Ms Kit Wong, Assistant Curator I (Conservation) Archaeological Finds of the Conservation Office

*Exclusively sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust
#Cultural Partner of French May：L’ÉCOLE Asia Pacific, School of Jewelry Arts

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