Rolf sees the big picture in bid to paint Mona Lisa

Published on Thursday 9 June 2005 11:58

MILLIONS of people should be able to guess what it is straight away.

Rolf Harris, whose catchphrase "Do you know what is yet?" is as well known as his artistic talents, is to lead hundreds of artists in an attempt to recreate the world's most famous painting on a giant canvas in Edinburgh.

The multi-talented Antipodean entertainer, who is appearing at this year's Fringe, will bring together hundreds of artists to paint a huge version of the Mona Lisa at The Mound.

Artists from all over the UK will work on parts of Leonardo Da Vinci's masterpiece, with Rolf and his team attempting to recreate it on a nine-metre by six-metre canvas in one day, with their bid broadcast live on the BBC.

The BBC, the National Galleries of Scotland and Edinburgh City Council have teamed up for the August 28 event.

Launching the event, Rolf said: "This time last year I faced one of my greatest challenges when I teamed up with hundreds of artists to recreate Constable's The Haywain on a giant scale in Trafalgar Square, London.

"Now I'm getting ready to team up once again with yet another group of art enthusiasts from all walks of life to face one of the world's most famous paintings, the Mona Lisa.

"Some historians believe the painting took Leonardo Da Vinci years to complete, now we've just got one day to recreate that enigmatic smile. I can't wait and I'm glad that Scotland will be joining us for an exciting day of art activities."

A total of 120 artists of different ages and backgrounds will pick up their paintbrushes and complete a section of the painting.

Sir Timothy Clifford, Director General of the National Galleries of Scotland, said: "The National Galleries of Scotland are thrilled to be working with Rolf Harris and the BBC on Rolf on Art - The Big Event.

"There is no artist more interesting than Leonardo Da Vinci who was arguably the greatest genius that ever lived."

Lord Provost Lesley Hinds said: "Recreating one of the world's most famous faces in one day is a fantastic challenge but if any one city can rise to it, then Edinburgh can.

"With Rolf Harris at the helm, I'm sure visitors to the Festival will be delighted to help piece together this masterpiece on the mound."

Viewers will be able to follow the progress of the painting during a live programme, Rolf on Art - The Big Event, which launches a new series of Rolf on Art focusing on the Great Masters.

For those who are inspired by Rolf to explore their artistic talents, there will be a range of activities hosted by the BBC and the National Galleries of Scotland.

Visitors to the National Gallery of Scotland can view a small selection of Renaissance works from the Scottish National Collections.