A passing lane (North American English) or overtaking lane (British, Irish and Australian English) is the lane on a multi-lane highway or motorway closest to the center of the road (the central reservation). In some countries, lanes are described as being on the 'inside' or the 'outside' of a road - which one the passing lane is varies.
When Italian handyman Vincenzo Peruggia stole the Mona Lisa from the Louvre in 1911, he never could have guessed her absence would be the very thing that made her the most recognizable painting on the planet.
Story highlights. 1  The Mona Lisa is the most famous painting in the world. 2  Theft over 100 years ago helped catapult artwork to international stardom. 3  Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece now attracts millions of visitors to Louvre.