We don't consider it a masterpiece because we think nobody could do something like that nowadays. We consider it a masterpiece because back then, it was a masterpiece. And we have had time to compare a lot of work from that era and we can say that Da Vinci was worth it.
This particular painting (Mona Lisa) is indeed famous because it got stolen, and that's also why people wait in line to take a selfie with it and completely ignore "The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne" that is in the next room. But still, its quality is undeniable. As is the quality of the other paintings around. Then of course, you may like the painting or not, that's orthogonal.
Da Vinci started a painting technique called "Sfumato", which is used there. Many other painters used and developed that technique, of course, but it means that Da Vinci created something meaningful there. Famous painters usually had an impact in their time.
We can say that da-vinci, bernini, and cervantes
did care about quality, but are all held at a remove, and the story of the critic bieng repremanded, by pointing out they, he not the mona lisa was on trial, is quite exact.
Facing a true master piece can be wonder, amazment and elation, or a trial and an afront.
Your simple egotist now has an easy solution, by taking a selfie, in FRONT of the amazing thing, but this is leading to fist fights in order to claim the exact right spot, with then certain municipalitys and private owners, building blockades to deter self(ie) seekers.
Its the difference between facing something special, or getting in the way, and we all do both
one time or another.
This particular painting (Mona Lisa) is indeed famous because it got stolen, and that's also why people wait in line to take a selfie with it and completely ignore "The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne" that is in the next room. But still, its quality is undeniable. As is the quality of the other paintings around. Then of course, you may like the painting or not, that's orthogonal.
Da Vinci started a painting technique called "Sfumato", which is used there. Many other painters used and developed that technique, of course, but it means that Da Vinci created something meaningful there. Famous painters usually had an impact in their time.