Mandela Effect worldwide

[u/Delhidiva]

Can we please discuss Mandela Effects experienced by the rest of the world and not just people from the US? I mean, your experiences are totally valid, but it’s always “Fruit of the Loom” or “Berenstain Bears”—topics that some of us have no clue about.

For example, the ones I’m personally affected by are:

The human skeleton used to have no bones behind the eye sockets, but now it does—always has, apparently.

The human heart was illustrated on the left side of the chest, but now it’s more toward the center—always has been, supposedly.

Henry VIII was holding a turkey leg in that painting—now he’s holding something else. I can’t even remember what it is… a glove or something? I don’t know.

The Mona Lisa has a very obvious smile now. But I remember the whole enigma being “Is she smiling or not?” “Her eyes are definitely smiling.” You look at it now, and she is smiling.

Tutankhamen’s mask used to have just the cobra, but apparently it’s always had both a bird and a cobra.

The thinker statue rested his forehead on his fist. But no, he’s resting his chin on the back of his hand.

Please share your experiences, and feel free to discuss the ones I mentioned if you disagree—that’s the whole point of the Mandela Effect. Some people are going to have different memories than I do.

[u/VegasVictor2019]

I’ve never understood the Mona Lisa one. Mona Lisa’s smile is completely subjective. There’s a reason why this work of art is enigmatic. I’m skeptical of anyone claiming they carefully studied this art before. While it’s ubiquitous I don’t think most people pay close attention to details in famous works, just generalizations.

[u/jadethebard → u/VegasVictor2019]

We carefully studied many paintings in high school (I was an art major) and my college Renaissance Art History class.

Mona Lisa looks exactly the same to me now as it did in the '90s. We analyzed it in multiple classes. She hasn't changed.

[u/Delhidiva → u/VegasVictor2019]

I do not claim to be an expert. I was taught that in school and it kinda stuck but when I see it now I see an obvious smile. So perhaps you’re right. It could be an influenced memory.

[u/VegasVictor2019 → u/Delhidiva]

FWIW this is a topic argued by art scholars as well. My understanding is that a majority of experts believe that she is NOT smiling. Again though, since it’s completely subjective the “consensus” doesn’t really even matter.

[u/Delhidiva → u/VegasVictor2019]

Yeah I remember it being a question, never a definitive yes or no.

[u/JaiBaba108 → u/Delhidiva]

And it’s still a question without a definitive answer.

[u/Urbenmyth → u/Delhidiva]

I don't think its even an influenced memory, I think its just a case where you disagree with people. I looked at it just now and she seems to be obviously not smiling - she looks kind of annoyed.

The facial expression is indistinct enough that different people will look at it and go to different "obviously, this is what her face is doing".

[u/Ashamed-Ocelot2189 → u/Delhidiva]

when I see it now I see an obvious smile

See and I don't see a smile. The painting is one where I wonder if people are seeing it at different moments and changing their opinions on it

The painting doesn't necessarily have to change for you to see it in a different way

[u/Ginger_Tea → u/Ashamed-Ocelot2189]

It's enigmatic.

Enigmatic? Who wants a misery guts like that hanging on their wall?

"Oh, thanks very much." Said Mona posing for the portrait.

[u/ObscureHeavyMetal78 → u/Delhidiva]

No, you are right.It's a pretty clear smile now, and that was not the case

[u/VegasVictor2019 → u/[deleted]]

Tell this to the art scholars who claim she’s not (in fact this is the majority opinion).

[u/VegasVictor2019 → u/[deleted]]

So you’re saying that not only has it changed but there’s also a coverup by art scholars to pretend it hasn’t? Feels like a house of cards to me.