Leonardo Da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci is arguably the most talented artist to have ever lived. His diverse skills were simply unmatched during his day and age. His ability to produce work in the aspect of a painting, sculpture, and music to name a few was amazing. As of today many recognize him for his paintings. His most popular is the Mona Lisa as well as the Last Supper. Most of his works happened during the period of 1476-1513. Aside from Leonardo’s artistic ability it is said he “conceptualized a helicopter, a tank, concentrated solar power and a calculator”. Leonardo strongly influenced the High Renaissance movement.

Of his painting the first I will discuss will be the “Last Supper” painted in 1498 A.D.  This painting has depicted a final meal before Christ’s crucifixion. There have been many remakes of this painting. Christ depicted in the middle and his twelve disciples surrounding him. His hands out as if he is a mediator. Also Christ offered bread, which symbolized his body and wine, symbolized his blood. The painting I felt was very uniform all the elements in the painting created a flow. His understanding of perspective and color in this painting allows the viewer to feel as if they are part of the scene.

Believed to be his last painting St. John the Baptist completed in 1536. Depicts one of Christ’s disciples a rather feminine figure. Whose smile may remind you of the Mona Lisa painting.  You may also notice John is pointing up to the heavens. Being one of Christ’s disciples there is a strong religious belief in the after life. All together one might suggest the figure is at ease and is content in salvation. The use of negative space here allows for a stronger image as well as the use of line quality.   

      The last of Leonardo Da Vinci’s paintings I will be discussing is the Vitruvian Man, created around 1487. The drawing is of pen and ink on paper. I love this drawing because it uses the basics in art the shapes, line and symmetry. The drawing acts as a guide for the male body in regards to its motor functions.

In conclusion, Leonardo Da Vinci is one of the most influential artists for times to come. His universal art form has inspired many to study more than one form of art. Many of his paintings are still inspiring. His techniques are also looked back upon and studied.