What is so Historically/Culturally significant about the Mona Lisa?

by Secretively

This question may be beyond the scope of the subreddit... I understand the fact that the Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo Da Vinci as part of his greater works, but what makes it more outstanding and significant than other portraits from the same era?

Searocksandtrees

Not discouraging further discussion here, but FYI, there was an interesting answer on this by /u/butforevernow a couple of years ago...

DigChrono

Related: is it true that Leonardo da Vinci carried it with him almost everywhere he traveled?