The Most Mysterious Secrets Hidden in World Famous Paintings

They say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, which explains why many art enthusiasts believe that art is open to interpretation. But things aren’t always what they appear to be.

In some instances, an art piece of a majestic mountaintop might be just that. But in the case of Da Vinci’s masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, there are secret details hiding in plain sight.

Here are the most mysterious secrets hidden in world famous paintings.

Café’s Terrace at Night

Vincent Van Gogh’s 1888 oil painting “Cafe’s Terrace at Night” might appear to be just a café terrace in France, but one expert believes it’s so much more.

According to expert Jared Baxter, the painting is Van Gogh’s interpretation of “The Last Supper,” and the central figure in white is Jesus.

There are Apostles and Crosses

A closer analysis of Van Gogh’s painting shows 12 people surrounding the central figure in “Cafe’s Terrace at Night.” And the figure seen slipping into darkness might be Judas.

There are also tiny crosses hidden in the painting, including one above the central figure.

The Prophet Zechariah

Michelangelo’s “The Prophet Zechariah” is illustrated in the Sistine Chapel and shows two cherubs glancing over the prophet’s shoulder.

But a closer look shows one of the cherubs with their thumb between their index and middle fingers. In those days, this was the equivalent of flipping someone the bird.

Michelangelo Was a Rebel

Rabbi Benjamin Blech of the Yeshiva University explained why Michelangelo had likely placed such an obscene gesture in “The Prophet Zechariah” to ABC News.

“This perhaps is the key to understanding Michelangelo’s courage, Michelangelo’s true feelings about the Pope, and the fact that Michelangelo did not hesitate to present us with messages that might’ve been offensive.”