The High Renaissance: Leonardo da Vinci

big idea

Leonardo da Vinci was one of the most important figures of the High Renaissance in Italy. His interests extended beyond the realm of the fine arts to include studies in the natural sciences and engineering.

1. Period and Location: Leonardo da Vinci

This lesson covers artwork from the years 1480 to 1505 in Florence, Italy.

Below is a timeline highlighting the years covered.

Here is a map of Italy indicating the location of Florence.

2. Influences on Art

As we begin to explore the art of this time, it is essential to look at some of the important influences on artistic production. Some of these major influences include:

• The fall of Florence as a regional power
• The overall prevalence of warfare
• The Reformation
• Counter-Reformation (Catholic response to the Reformation)

3. Leonardo da Vinci: A Renaissance Man

Leonardo da Vinci is the epitome of a Renaissance man. Essentially, he is an individual whose expertise exists in many different and varied areas. Although he is remembered most, perhaps, for his contributions to art, his interests extended well beyond this realm. He was a prolific inventor, keeping countless journals filled with ideas for devices and machines, as well as observations of the natural world around him.

EXAMPLE

Below is one of Leonardo’s most famous drawings, “Vitruvian Man.”

did you know

Leonardo’s detailed empirical observations of the world around him originated the idea of scientific illustration. Concepts such as anatomy were greatly advanced by his observations. However, while he was far ahead of his time, some of his understandings were imperfect.

terms to know

Scientific Illustration

Drawings made with the goal of communicating information regarding the structure and appearance of an object.

Anatomy

The branch of science that deals with the physical structure of living things.

3a. “The Virgin of the Rocks”

Leonardo was a true artistic genius, which makes it even more fascinating that art was just one of his many interests and endeavors. His paintings became starting points for scientific experiments regarding natural phenomena, such as aerial or atmospheric perspective, which is where things fade as they get further back. The subtle play of light and shadow called chiaroscuro is evident in his painting, “The Virgin of the Rocks.”

EXAMPLE

Notice the chiaroscuro in this image of “The Virgin of the Rocks.”

The figures above are in a triangular arrangement, and they are united within the composition in their exposure to light. Notice the way they gesture to each other. The infant John the Baptist, on the left, prays toward the infant Jesus, who appears to be either pointing at, or more likely blessing, John in return.

Take a look at the angel on the far right. It is definitely pointing in John’s direction. Mary completes this image by resting her hand on John and either reaching toward Jesus or performing a gesture of blessing over Christ. It all takes place within a dark and somewhat foreign-looking landscape. This is more than just an artistic achievement. It is true technological achievement as well. Leonardo pushed the early boundaries of what the new medium of oil painting could do.

term to know

Chiaroscuro

An important method of shading using gradations of values and strong contrasts of light and dark to create a sense of volume; this method enhances the illusion of three-dimensional form on a two-dimensional plane.

3b. “The Last Supper”

However, not every experiment works out.

EXAMPLE

Let’s take a look at Leonardo’s “The Last Supper” fresco from 1495 to explain this idea.

Leonardo experimented with an oil and tempera combination on dry plaster, as opposed to wet plaster, to try and recreate the effect of oil on wood. Unfortunately, it did not work out. The humidity of Milan’s climate only accelerated the degradation of the painting, which began soon after its completion. A restoration of the project was undertaken to save the masterpiece and was completed in watercolor to distinguish it from the original.

did you know

Interestingly, the restoration, rather than conservation, was so extensive it’s estimated that only about 20% of what is seen today is actually the original painting. The subject matter is that of the Last Supper immediately after the moment when Christ says that one of the disciples will betray him. Most of the disciples are depicted as fairly animated, talking to one another in a state of surprise or shock, or are concerned that the guilty party may be them.

EXAMPLE

The composition is essentially symmetric, with the central figure of Christ serving to divide the image into two parts. Notice the blue line here that divides the image into two symmetric parts:

EXAMPLE

Just as in “The Virgin of the Rocks,” Leonardo uses a triangle with Christ to anchor the composition. See the image below, which highlights this triangular area:

The number three, symbolic of the Holy Trinity, is integrated throughout the image. Notice the three windows behind Christ and the way the disciples are arranged in four groups of three, evenly distributed on either side of Christ. And they are, from left to right, Bartholomew; James; Andrew; Judas (the betrayer); Peter, who becomes the first pope; and John, on the left.

EXAMPLE

Leonardo placed the vanishing point directly above Christ’s head as a way of drawing the viewer’s gaze toward the central figure of Christ.

Now, notice how Judas is depicted somewhat obscured in shadow. His head is lower than the others’ and his elbow’s on the table. He also spilled salt, which is a superstition associated with bad luck. Jesus is in the center. Next is Thomas, James the Greater, Philip, followed by Matthew, Jude, and Simon.

terms to know

Restoration

Cleaning and repairing a work of art to bring it back to its original state as much as possible.

Conservation

Repairing a work of art to avoid any further damage.

3c. The “Mona Lisa”

A painting similar to “The Last Supper” is the “Mona Lisa,” which is likely the world’s most famous painting. It’s an interesting painting depicting what is thought to be the wife of a wealthy Florentine.

EXAMPLE

Here is an image of the “Mona Lisa”:

Mona is a shortened form of Madonna, which means “my lady.” So literally, it is “my lady Lisa.” It exemplifies da Vinci’s skill with atmospheric perspective and sfumato, which is that smoky, hazy quality. It also highlights his mastery of the application of chiaroscuro, and how the face and hands of the “Mona Lisa” almost appear to glow out of the picture.

term to know

Sfumato

A painting technique that involves subtle tones blending into one another without harsh outlines, creating a “smoky” appearance.