PARIS � Cecile Brisson of the Associated Press reported that the Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci�s masterpiece of a mysterious woman with a slight smile, is deteriorating quickly, the Louvre Museum said Monday, announcing that an in-depth technical study was being conducted to determine why. The Associated Press reported that the thin, poplar wood panel on which the artwork is painted has become deformed since conservation experts last evaluated the condition of the painting, the Louvre said. The artwork is inspected every 1-2 years. The Louvre said the condition of the Mona Lisa was causing "some worry" and that a new study has been launched, but one that will allow the painting to remain in the public eye.

"These analyses will take place in such a way as to allow the work to remain on public display," the Louvre said in a statement.

The study, to be conducted by the Center for Research and Restoration of Museums of France, is to better determine what materials the painting is made of and evaluate its vulnerability to climate changes.

The portrait full of mystery and secrets is painted on a 77x53 cm large poplar-wood. It is the most famous work of Leonardo da Vinci. Originally the painting was larger than today, because two columns, one on the left the other one on the right side of Mona Lisa, have been cut. That is the reason why it is difficult to see that Mona Lisa is sitting on a terrace. Several other details are not visible now because some parts of the Mona Lisa have been restored. The painting is done in the sfumato technique.