Guiding the Renaissance of paintings, Leonardo da Vinci is an unforgettable personality. His innovative work scrutinized anatomy is an inspiration to many aspiring artists.
Here are some of the best paintings by Leonardo da Vinci:
1. Mona Lisa
Year: 1503- 1519
The world-famous painting Mona Lisa by Leonardo Da Vinci will always be a masterpiece. The subtle gradations of light and shadow make Monalisa more mystical.
Mona Lisa represents Leonardo’s patience and skill as an artist. Just like humans, she shows complex emotions that are not easy to understand. The identity of the lady behind the canvas is still in the dark. However, many believe that she was Madam Lisa, wife of Francesco del Giocondo.
2. Last Supper
Year: 1495-1498
The Last Supper painting by Leonardo Da Vinci portrays the final meal of Jesus with his disciples. The duke of Milan, Ludovico Sforza, asked Leonardo for the Dominican monastery of Santa Maria Delle Grazie.
The painting illustrates the moment Jesus disclosed the betrayal of one of his apostles. You can see every posture of the apostles, including rising, fall, expressions, and gestures. The complex emotions such as whispering, yelling, grieving, and debating of the disciples are impeccable.
3. Vitruvian Man
Year: 1490
Vitruvian Man is drawing from the scribbled notebooks of Leonardo. It represents his concept of ideal human body proportion.
Roman architect Vitruvius demonstrated that an ideal human could fit within a circle and square. Leonardo illustrated this concept after measuring the models he drew in Milan. Although many displayed this proportion, his art became the most iconic of all.
4. Self Portrait
Year: 1490-1515
Although not many people know, the Self Portrait by Leonardo is a precious treasure to every artist. Sketched with red chalk on paper, the painting portrays an elderly man with long wavy hair and a beard.
This drawing of Leonardo is a reference to his appearance to many people. However, there are those who differ. According to them, the drawing looks way older than a man who died at the age of 67.
5. The Virgin of the Rocks
Year: 1483-1486
Italian Renaissance Leonardo illustrated The Virgin of the Rocks based on an apocryphal legend. There is also another version of this painting in the name of Madonna of the Rocks. The two versions have a similar concept.
The painting portrays the encounter between Saint John the Baptist and Jesus returning home from Egypt. In this portrait, youthful Mary sits on the ground in a mysterious rocky landscape with the two children.
6. Madonna Litta
Year: 1490
The 15th-century painting of Leonardo the Vinci Madonna Litta is also well-known as Madonna and the child. The portrait depicts the Virgin Mary breastfeeding the infant Jesus.
The artist has beautifully portrayed motherhood and motherly love. The blue cloak of Mary symbolizes the Church, while her red dress represents the passion of Christ.
7. Lady with an Ermine
Year: 1489-1491
Lady with an Ermine is the portrait of Cecilia Gallerani by Leonardo da Vinci at the end of the 80s. She was an alluring woman and the favorite mistress of the Duke of Milan Ludovico Sforza.
Painted on a small walnut wood panel in oil, it portrays a beautiful woman with bright eyes. The ermine in her hands symbolizes the emblem of the duke.
8. Salvator Mundi
Year: 1499-1510
Oil painting on the walnut panel was one of his favorite methods of Leonardo. Salvator Mundi in 1500 is an ideal example of his works. The name Salvator Mundi is a Latin word that defines the saviors of the world. After the Second Italian War, Leonardo moved from Milan to Florence in 1500 and sketched it.
The painting depicts Jesus Christ in an anachronistic blue Renaissance dress. His left hand has a transparent orb while the right hand is making the sign of the cross.
9. Ginevra de Benci
Year: 1474-1478
The portrait of Ginevra de Benci is one of the most remarkable works by Leonardo da Vinci. Although it is a work from his early age, it shows his skills and unconventional methods.
Ginevra de Benci is the portrait of a young Florentine in her teens. Similar to his other illustrations, Leonardo has beautifully portrayed complicated human emotions.
10. The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne
Year: 1501-1519
The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne is a portrait of Saint Anne, the Virgin Mary, and the Christ Child. According to some, this unfinished painting might be his last painting.
The painting portrays the interaction between the holy family. In the painting Virgin Mary is playing with baby Jesus on the lap of Saint Anne.
October 25, 2022 @ 3:25 am
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