The painting had, for centuries, simply been known as "The GODdess",
and much about the masterpiece was shrouded in mystery.

Even the identity of the artist had not been firmly established. Some speculated it was an early Leonardo - a prelude to, but ultimately greater than, his Mona Lisa. Others disagreed, arguing that if Leonardo had ever been privileged to work with a model of such sublime beauty, he surely would have left hundreds of canvases dedicated to Her.

And who exactly was this transcendentally and enigmatically beautiful woman herself? Scholars had been debating that question for many years as well. A renaissance document had recently been discovered describing a highly secretive organization of powerful and accomplished men who had renounced their faith in God and instead worshiped a woman whose unsurpassed beauty had entranced and enslaved their minds. These men left their wives and families, and then lived their lives in total devotion to serving Her every need. Could "The GODdess" have been that woman?

Other scholars had concluded that "The GODdess" had not been a real woman at all. They argued that Her extraordinary beauty and sensuality were more like a Platonic "ideal" of perfection than anything that could occur in reality.

And thus, the mystery remained - but did not diminish the eagerness of collectors to own the treasure. It was, quite simply, one of the most valuable paintings in the world. And now, after its ownership had changed hands during a recent record-breaking auction, it resided here, in a place of reverence within one of the world's leading private collections of great art.