NEVER start out any post with "forgive my ignorance" since there was a time, and for many it was probably eons ago despite the heavy use of wrinkle creams, when NOBODY who responded to your post KNEW the answer so the fact that you weren't sure doesn't mean you are ignorant.
I think you may not be able to use flash photography in from of LaGiaconda (the so-called "Mona Lisa) since flash somehow is felt to harm the artwork.
I would definitely try to see it...the work is rather small in size as someone above mentioned...any print you buy of it in the museum store may be of better quality than a photo...you could also buy one of the Mona Lisa T-shirts for the child.
I hope you enjoy your trip.

There is no photography allowed for Mona Lisa, and definitely no flash photography. Unfortunately, tourists ignore the rules all the time.

I recently heard on the radio (sorry, I forgot the exact program) which they said that ONE single flash on a painting is equivalent to THREE DAYS of direct sunlight. If we want to conserve these paintings for our future generations, no flash PLEASE...
Buy a postcard instead.

The following is from Louvre's website:

< The use of flash-lights is not recommended. The use of lamps or any kind of lightning is forbidden.
The use of the cameras is forbidden in the room of the Monna Lisa and the Vénus de Milo. >

Not that I'm an expert with photography, really -- but wouldn't the pictures come out better with higher speed film and longer exposures? (More time to absorb the surrounding light so that no flash is necessary.) Most point-and-shoots should have this sort of ability.

>... flash somehow is felt to harm the artwork.<

The light from the flash is very intense
and of fairly high energy. It's effect on paints is to cause fading and/or discoloration of pigments and oxidation of the vehicle.

In short, light is harmful.

When we visited last fall, Mona Lisa was behind some kind of screen and glass, which I assume was to protect it from the flashes, as there was no crowd control and everyone was taking pictures. I would suggest arranging your schedule to get there very early, at opening.

My understanding of the reasoning behind the "no pictures" at Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo is more to keep the crowds moving. One of my "nicest" shots was of the crowds taking pictures of Mona.

bob_brown -- thanks for a very well-put analysis :D

cleveland brown,
my understanding is that since a lunatic attacked the Mona Lisa, she has been behind glass to protect her.

No art museum allows flash photos of their own collection. It's for preservation. Ever notice how things fade in sunlight? I was severely chastised in the Pompidou for taking an unintentional flash photo of a magnificent, granite Mobius strip.

Generally, photos of any kind are not allowed for special exhibitions because of copyright.

I would be in favor of ejecting any heathen who violates these regulations or confiscating the medium.