Italy has given the world many famous names of artists, sculptors, musicians, but, perhaps, the most famous person was and remains Leonardo da Vinci. We can talk about the great master endlessly. We will touch on only one facet of his talent - painting - and talk about the great paintings of Leonardo da Vinci, which can be seen in museums and galleries in his homeland, Italy.
Since Leonardo himself considered himself, first of all, a scientist and engineer, his artistic heritage not so great. He left behind about 20 famous paintings and about the same number of drawings. To date, 15 paintings and sketches have been preserved in Leonardo’s homeland, Italy, which can be seen in Milan and Florence, where Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked, as well as in Rome, Venice, Turin and Parma.
Paintings by Leonardo da Vinci in Milan
"The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci
Painting by Leonardo da Vinci "Last Supper" along with the Mona Lisa - one of the most famous works great master. This huge fresco adorns the wall of the refectory of the monastery of Santa Maria del Grazie in Milan. We have already written about her several times.
"Last Supper"
The traditional biblical story of the last supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples amazes with the authenticity of the images. It is known that the Savior and Judas were the most difficult for the author. There is a legend that Leonardo based these two characters on the image of the same person in different periods his life.
The deep perspective in the picture is also striking. The painting “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci became the first work in the history of painting where perspective was so organically and clearly expressed, connecting space and drawing into a single whole.
Unfortunately, it seems that Leonardo himself did not really want his descendants to see this masterpiece. The technique used to execute the painting led to the fact that even before its completion, the paints had already begun to deteriorate. Until now, scientists and researchers are looking for a way to preserve the priceless painting, but so far to no avail.
Due to the fact that da Vinci’s painting “The Last Supper” is not in satisfactory condition, visitor access to it is strictly limited. 25 people can be in the refectory at the same time for no more than 15 minutes. Therefore, if you plan to see the master’s masterpiece, make sure to purchase tickets in advance. About how to do this Blogoitaliano.
Da Vinci's paintings at the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
Pinacoteca Ambrosiana is the second museum in Milan where you can see paintings by Leonardo da Vinci.
"Portrait of a Musician"
The first one is "Portrait of a Musician". Leonardo da Vinci began painting it in the early 90s. XV century, but never completed it. The painting acquired its final form and was slightly altered much later by the master’s followers.
For many years it was believed that the painting depicts Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan, the groom of Beatrice d'Este, but at the beginning of the twentieth century. when the top paint layer was partially removed and it was possible to make out the signatures on a sheet of paper young man. These were the words and notes of the "Angel's Song". The discovery led to the conclusion that the portrait depicts a musician, most likely a choir director Milan Cathedral Frankino Gafuri. However, to date the authenticity of this version has not been proven and speculation about the identity continues.
"Portrait of Beatrice d'Este"
The second painting by Leonardo da Vinci in the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana is "Portrait of Beatrice d'Este". The painting, like “Portrait of a Musician,” was painted at the same time and was not completed by da Vinci himself. The finishing touches were done by his student Giovanni Amborgio de Predis.
Beatrice d'Este is one of the most beautiful princesses of the Renaissance in Italy. She was personally acquainted with Leonardo da Vinci, and the master was even appointed organizer of Beatrice’s wedding with the Duke of Milan, Ludovico Sforza.
“Portrait of a Musician” and “Portrait of Beatrice d’Este” have long been considered paired and placed opposite each other.
Codex Atlanticus by Leonardo da Vinci
Next to the Pinacoteca is the Ambrosinana Library, where another treasure of da Vinci is preserved -. 12 notebooks, 1119 sheets of priceless manuscripts with drawings, graphs, drawings, sketches famous paintings and frescoes, including the “Battle of Angyari” and “Leda and the Swan” that have not survived to this day.
Visiting the Pinakothek and the Ambrosian Library is not so easy. The excitement around the Atlantic Codex has not subsided to this day, and you can find an impressive queue at the museum’s ticket office. A great option is to prepare for your trip in advance and book tickets to visit the Pinakothek online on the SelectItaly website.
Da Vinci's paintings in Florence
Florence, along with Milan, is inextricably linked with the life of Leonardo da Vinci. It was here that he spent his childhood and youth, here he learned the wisdom of science and made his first attempts at writing. It is in Florence that you can see the early paintings of Leonardo da Vinci, including those that he painted while still a student of Andrea del Verrocchio. All of them are kept in the Uffizi Gallery.
Verrocchio taught his students by living example, letting them paint parts of his paintings. So, even young Leonardo was instructed to depict one of the angels who holds a robe in the teacher’s painting "The Baptism of Christ". Leonardo completed the task so well that Andrea del Verrocchio abandoned painting forever after that.
In his teacher's painting "The Baptism of Christ" Leonardo da Vinci depicted an angel holding robes
Attention to detail, blurred lines and one’s own vision of the plot - this is what distinguished Leonardo da Vinci’s paintings from his youth. From the very first works it became clear that Leonardo created new trends in traditional painting. His works did not have clear lines, as before; the objects depicted in the painting, thanks to the play of light and shadow, seemed to dissolve in the surrounding landscape, creating more realistic compositions.
"Annunciation" is one of early paintings Leonardo
While studying with Verrocchio, Leonardo wrote another of his famous works - "Annunciation". The young master made his own adjustments to the biblical plot typical of the Renaissance. He moved the entire Gospel action from Mary's house to the terrace, devoting special attention drawing the landscape in the background.
"The Adoration of the Magi" features an atypical presentation of the plot
Another seemingly contradictory painting by da Vinci "Adoration of the Magi". It, like many of the master’s masterpieces, remained unfinished due to the fact that a year after the start of work, Leonardo left for Milan. The palace, horsemen in the background, a large crowd of people around Mary are completely uncharacteristic of biblical story. Analogues of a masterpiece in Italian painting no more. There is an opinion that among those gathered, Leonardo depicted himself at the age of 29 (the young man on the right).
From early works the Uffizi Gallery also houses two famous drawing Leonardo – "Landscape of the Arno" and a sketch for a painting "Adoration of Mary".
Copy of Leonardo da Vinci's painting "Leda and the Swan" in the Uffizi Gallery
There is another one in the Uffizi Gallery interesting picture "Leda and the Swan". Unfortunately, original painting Leonardo da Vinci has not survived to this day. Last time The master's creation was seen in the 18th century at the Fontainebleau Palace. However, sketches remained, from which his followers created several copies. One is currently kept in the Uffizi Gallery, the second -.
The Uffizi Gallery is a popular museum in Florence. About how to get here and where.
Legacy of Leonardo da Vinci in Rome
In the capital of Italy, only one painting of the great Leonardo da Vinci has survived - "Saint Jerome". It can be seen in the Vatican Pinacoteca.
"Saint Jerome in the Desert"
"Saint Jerome" is another of Leonardo's early works. He wrote it while still in Florence, studying with Andrea Verrocchio, by order of the papal church, but just like “The Adoration of the Magi” he did not complete it on the occasion of his departure to Milan. The painting was subsequently badly damaged, cut and sawn into two parts, one of which was used as a countertop in a grocery store. The scattered parts were collected by the Archbishop of Lyon, Cardinal Joseph Fesch, and after his death, Pope Pius IX bought “Saint Jerome” for the collection of the Vatican Pinacothèque.
For those interested in Leonardo's engineering inventions, we also recommend checking out the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Rome. You can visit it either independently or.
Other paintings by Leonardo da Vinci in Italy
Unfortunately, you can no longer find da Vinci’s paintings in Italy, but you can find several drawings and sketches.
"Vitruvian Man" by Leonardo da Vinci
The most famous of them is "Vitruvian Man" with explanations by the master about the canonical proportions of the human body, kept in the Academy Gallery in Venice, two women's portraits , executed in pencil, can be found in the National Gallery of Parma and in the collection of the Royal Library of Turin.
Self-portrait of Leonardo da Vinci
And finally, self-portrait of Leonardo da Vinci, which has caused much controversy, is also in the Royal Library of Turin. Not all experts believe that the person depicted in the portrait is Leonardo, however, fans of his work often turn a blind eye to research, believing that great master And famous artist looked exactly like this: a wise old man with a sad look...
Do you want to see the masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci? Then you should definitely visit the homeland of the great master, Italy. Well, to make your vacation budget-friendly and truly comfortable, we recommend useful secrets about traveling in Italy. The course was created by real experts on the country and will allow you to see what 95% of Italian tourists miss.
Today everyone knows, even schoolchildren, who the legendary Leonardo da Vinci is. He became famous thanks to many interesting inventions and projects, but most of all, he is known as best artist Renaissance.
Who is Da Vinci?
Each of his works evokes admiration and a lot of discussion, because each of his pictures is full of mysteries that his contemporaries are still puzzling over.
It is worth paying attention to the fact that he was born on April 15, 1452, and died on May 2, 1519, and in such a short time, he managed to create many masterpieces that are worth looking at at least once in his life.
Let's see the best works of this legendary person?
"Mona Lisa" (La Gioconda)
It's hard to imagine a person not familiar with the image famous Mona Lisa.
To date, the painting "Mona Lisa" is considered the most famous work art in the world.
The full title of the painting is “Portrait of Mrs. Lisa Giocondo.” Da Vinci worked on the order of the silk merchant from Florence Francesco del Giocondo for 4 years and it remained unfinished. The artist did not hand over the painting to the customer and carried it with him until the end of his life.
The Mona Lisa gained incredible popularity due to its theft in 1911.
last supper
Fresco " last supper"is slowly but rapidly being destroyed due to da Vinci's experiments with materials. Monumental painting depicts the scene of Christ's last meal with his disciples.
Created in the Dominican monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.
Vitruvian Man
This is a drawing created as an illustration for a book about the works of Vitruvius (Roman encyclopedist). This drawing clearly shows the image of a man in two positions, one on top of the other.
What's special about this drawing? It is called the canonical proportion.
"Vitruvian Man" received the status of a work of art and scientific work.
Self-portrait
The most reliable source of our knowledge of what he looked like great artist- This is his Turin self-portrait.
It was made with sanguine on paper, but over time it was quite damaged, and at the moment not exhibited.
There are a lot of speculations around the drawing: in particular, some studies have found that it is a sketch for the painting “Mona Lisa”!
Madonna Litta
The Littas are a Milanese family that kept the Madonna together with other paintings in their collection throughout the 19th century. Today the canvas belongs State Hermitage Museum. It was painted in 1490-1491 and depicts a woman feeding a baby.
The girl’s gaze, thoughtful and full of tenderness, is fixed on the child. The baby looks at the viewer, holding his mother’s chest with one hand and holding the goldfinch in the other.
Annunciation
One of Leonardo da Vinci's early paintings. There is no perspective in it yet (it was simply not used before Leonardo), but carefully drawn folds on the clothes and the expressive hands of the Virgin Mary are already visible.
By the way, the wings of the Archangel Gabriel were initially more proportional, but later some unknown artist I finished drawing them, and the wings turned out to be somewhat bulky.
Madonna with pomegranate
The earliest, most touching and spontaneous of all Madonnas by Leonardo da Vinci. All the works he created later (including the aforementioned Litta) are close to it in style and composition. The image of a young mother conveys gentleness and tranquility.
Some researchers explain a certain disproportion of the child’s body by the absence of a baby sitter for the artist, and yet it is strange to suspect the great master of drawing “at random”! Most likely, he wanted to emphasize the unearthly origin of this child.
Woman's head
This is just a sketch made with pencil and chalk, but it amazes art connoisseurs with the careful depiction of details (for example, curls of hair) and the accurate transmission of emotions manifested in the eyes of a young woman, the curve of her lips...
Lady with an ermine
The painting was painted towards the end of the 15th century. The girl in the picture is presumably Cecilia Galleroni, the favorite of Duke Ludovico Sforzi, because at the time the picture was painted, da Vinci was in the service of this nobleman.
But this painting is not at all like a standard portrait of a beautiful grande dame. The figure is depicted in three-quarter view, and the gaze is directed to the side (da Vinci's innovation).
By the way, the girl herself is not such an “air nymph” at all: despite her attractiveness, the hard fold of her lips betrays her imperious character. Just like the hand that holds the animal - supposedly carefully, but at the same time tenaciously (and da Vinci’s hands always turned out to be very expressive).
Well, in order to become the favorite of such a noble man, an iron character was indeed required...
John the Baptist
A figure often depicted in painting, but how was the Baptist usually depicted? A middle-aged man, with a beard and a stern look... But not a sweet smiling young man, as Leonardo portrayed him!
The picture belongs to late period artist's creativity. It's surprising that there's nothing familiar in the background picturesque landscape: John’s light body stands out against the gloomy monotonous background.
The figure of John the Baptist is equipped with traditional symbols:
- thin reed cross;
- woolen clothes;
- long hair.
The raised finger of the right hand is also a traditional gesture that often appears in Da Vinci's paintings. Perhaps in this way the artist wanted to convey something important.
The image of John is gentle, he has a soft smile and an amazing look, as if penetrating the viewer’s soul.
Gallery of works by Leonardo da Vinci-Paintings-
Gioconda - Mona Lisa (1503) 
Cecilia Gallerani, Lady with an Ermine (1485) 
Ginevra de Benci
Madonna Litta (1490) 
Madonna Litta (DETT) 
Madonna and Child and Saint Anne (1510) 
Madonna and Child and Saint Anne - detail (1510) 
John the Baptist (1513) 
Young lady 
Madonna of the Carnation (1478) 
Virgins of the Rock (1506) 
Portrait of a Musician (1485) 
Beautiful Ferronière (1490) 
Adoration of the Magi (1481) 
Leda and the Swan (DETT) 
Leda and the swan 
Leda and the Swan (1510) 
Leda (1530), 
Madonna dell'arcolaio (1510) 
Madonna dell'arcolaio (DETT) 
St. John in the Desert (Bacchus) (1510) 
Baptism of Christ (1485) 
Baptism of Christ (detail) 
Virgins of the Rock (DETT) 
Annunciation (1472) 
Annunciation (details) 
Annunciation (details) 
Annunciation (details) 
Madonna with Carnation (DETT) 
Virgins of the Rock (DETT) 
St. Jerome (1480) 
last supper
Sculptures and statues of Leonardo
Equestrian statue 
Equestrian statue 
Equestrian statue 
Bust of Flora
Biography and Life of Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)
Portraits and biographies of Leonardo da VinciLeonardo da Vinci, painter, architect, scientist and writer, one of the most outstanding minds produced by mankind, illegitimate son notary Piero, and a peasant girl, born on April 15, 1452 in Vinci, a small village in Tuscany. After a childhood spent in calm rural areas Florence, lived with his mother in the early years, and then with his father, at the age of 17, for his drawing skills, accepted as a student at art studio Andrea del Verrocchio. located in Florence, where he remained until he was thirty years old, Leonardo, draws, paints and studies, interested in all fields human knowledge. regretting that you have not yet studied Latin, he is considered "Omo without a letter" and try to find out for himself, as a self-taught explorer "anatomy, technology, architecture and other sciences. After the draw, writing is his passion, he writes all the time, take notes and make sketches, but to maintain complete secrecy about his notes, Leonardo uses in composing songs from left to right and anagrams of words that he wants to keep confidential. In 1482, Leonardo da Vinci was taken to the court of Ludovico il Moro, where she had, before. total, projects with military equipment, hydraulic engineering, architecture and, eventually, as an artist and sculptor with the design of the bronze horse on the monument to Francesco Sforza. In Milan, which then, with its hundred thousand inhabitants, was one of largest cities Europe, Leonardo da Vinci remains until the end of 1499 the fall of the Sforza. Over the years, Leonardo painted a lot, I remember the portrait of Cecilia Gallerani, "Lady with an Ermine", the first version of "Virgin of the Rock" and the famous "Last Supper" in S. Maria delle Grazie. "s frescoes, made with a technique invented by Leonardo, occupied him for three years, from 1495 to 1498. Leonardo is responsible for the decoration of the Sforza Castle, executed on the occasion of the marriage of Gian Galeazzo Sforza, and also invents the fantastic machines theatrical representative heavens and the sky with stars in motion completely defeated by the Milanese. After the fall of Ludovico il Moro, under pressure from the French troops of Louis XII, Leonardo left Milan and began a long journey going from Mantua, Venice and Friuli to arrive in Florence between 1500 and 1512, living in Florence, Rome, Milan, dealing with anatomy, urban architecture, optics and hydraulic engineering. In 1513 Leonardo moved to Rome, where he was responsible for the placement of the Port of Civitavecchia, the creation of a project for the drainage of the Pontic Marshes by the project ever carried out at the death of the Pope, work with burning mirrors. who arrived from Germany and continued to study anatomy, which put him in a difficult position and which led him to accept the invitation of the King of France, Francis I was received with many honors by the King of France, he settled in the castle of Cloux, he was appointed the first artist, architect and engineer king independent project Royal Palace Romorantin, Francesco I want to build for my mother Louise of Savoy, Leonardo has the opportunity to continue his hydrological research, began years before the Sforza, as well as plans for a small town that even provides for the movement of the river bed that enriches the waters and irrigation to the surrounding area. Francis I, Leonardo sells a portrait of the Mona Lisa, which began in Florence, and to which he worked intermittently until 1506, which he never considered completed and accompanied them on the journey. called the French Mona Lisa Mona Lisa, oil painting on poplar wood, cm X 77 cm 53, now belongs to the collection of the Louvre in Paris and is the most famous painting in the world.
Leonardo da Vinci died on May 2, 1519 at his residence in Cloux, and was buried in the church of S. Valentino in Amboise, leaving all his manuscripts, drawings and instruments as a legacy to the disciples of Salai and Melzi.
Leonardo found worldwide fame, thanks to a comprehensively developed intellect. This unique person made several discoveries in the field of medicine, science, engineering that changed the world.
And although the genius himself considered himself a scientist, and painting was just a hobby, his descendants put his contribution to art on the same level as other merits, because the artist’s paintings are truly masterpieces. However, see for yourself the photos of the original paintings posted on this page. good quality with an increase in significant areas and with a description of each masterpiece of the artist.
The title of the painting, painted in 1503-1505, is translated as “Portrait of Madame Lisa Gioconda.”
The identity of the woman depicted remains a mystery to this day, although most plausible version, she is the wife of a silk merchant with whom da Vinci was friends in Florence.
Mona Lisa is a girl in dark robes, half-turned towards the viewer. Every detail of the image is described in incredible detail, and the light smile that touched her lips pleasantly surprises. The portrait is considered one of the best in its genre and conveys the most sublime thoughts of the Italian Renaissance. Currently it adorns the Louvre in Paris.
Da Vinci's painting entitled "Isleworth Mona Lisa"
The portrait is still the same Mrs. Lisa, but with a different background, the presence of columns and less careful drawing of details. There are disputes regarding the time of its writing.
Some historians claim that this is a later version of La Gioconda, while others are sure that this is its first version.
The painting was sold to the collector Blaker, who placed it in his own studio, located in Isleworth - west London. This area gave the “name” to the legendary portrait.
Artwork - “Madonna Litta”
The Littas are a Milanese family that kept the Madonna together with other paintings in their collection throughout the 19th century. Today the painting belongs to the State Hermitage Museum. It was painted in 1490-1491 and depicts a woman feeding a baby.
The girl’s gaze, thoughtful and full of tenderness, is fixed on the child. The baby looks at the viewer, holding his mother’s chest with one hand and holding the goldfinch in the other.
"Madonna Benoit"
The painting was painted in 1478-1480 and was not completed. Today it belongs to the Imperial Hermitage.
Da Vinci placed the Madonna and baby Jesus in a dimly lit room illuminated by light from an open window.
There is a special play of light and shapes in the work. The girl smiles sincerely, and the well-fed, serious kid looks at the cruciferous flower with enthusiasm.
"Madonna of the Rocks"
Under this title there are two almost identical paintings. The Louvre exhibits a version painted around 1483-1486, and the National Gallery in London displays a slightly later version.
The canvas depicts the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist, an angel and the baby Jesus. Overall, it has a peaceful atmosphere, imbued with tenderness. The steep cliffs that form the landscape backdrop create an exclusive contrast.
"Madonna and Child and Saint Anne"
This painting is often confused with Da Vinci's painting "St. Anne with the Madonna and Child Christ." “Madonna and Child and Saint Anne” belongs to the brush German artist Albrecht Durer. It was written in 1519 and has nothing to do with the world famous genius.
"Madonna of the Carnation"
The painting was not known until 1889, when it ended up in the Alte Pinakothek museum.
It depicts a calm Madonna with the baby Jesus in her arms, looking at the child with undisguised tenderness. The child is active, as if he is playing, stretching out his hands to the invisible butterfly.
“Saint Anne with the Madonna and Child Christ” unfinished painting
This unfinished masterpiece is today in the Louvre in Paris. To create it, da Vinci used a well-known plot in Italy, in which the Madonna is on the lap of her mother Anna, holding her own son Jesus in her arms.
The effect is called mise en abyme. The estimated date of writing is 1508-1510.
"Lady with an Ermine"
The painting, created in 1489-1490, is stored in Poland. It is believed that the portrait depicts Cecilia Gallerani, the mistress of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan.
The girl is described in detail and realistically. The presence of ermine has many versions. According to the most common theory, this animal symbolizes purity and chastity. It is placed in the picture to convey these features of Cecilia, to point out her extramarital relationship with the Duke, which does not stain the beauty’s reputation, but is a manifestation of sincere love.
“Ginevra de Benci” - an artistic depiction of the poetess
She was a famous poet and platonic lover of Bernardo Bembo, who, according to historians, is the person who commissioned the portrait.
Da Vinci worked on it from 1474 to 1476.
The girl on the canvas does not smile, she is thoughtful and calm, dressed in a simple, no-frills dress. She is decorated only with a scarf and a small pearl on her neck. The painting is currently on view at the Washington National Gallery of Art.
"Ginevra de Benci" (reverse side)
On the back of the portrait of Ginevra de Benci, an emblem is painted by Leonardo da Vinci: a vertical branch of juniper, framed by a wreath of laurel and palm branches, which are intertwined with a ribbon with Latin phrase: “Virtutem forma decorat.”
Translated, the saying sounds no less luxurious: “Beauty is the adornment of virtue.”
The palm branch and laurel represent virtue, and the juniper represents the poetic component. The background imitates a slab of porphyry, symbolizing rare and unchanging perfection.
“Leda and the Swan” - a copy of the artist’s painting
This painting is now lost, but copies of it painted by other artists, preliminary sketches by da Vinci, and mentions in historical documents have been preserved. The estimated time of writing is 1508.
The canvas depicted Leda standing in full height and hugging the neck of a swan. The girl looked at the children playing in the grass. Judging by the shells lying nearby, the babies were born from large eggs.
"Isabella d'Este"
Isabella d'Este is called the "diva of the Renaissance."
She was a great connoisseur of art and one of the most famous girls in Italy. Isabella was friends with da Vinci and repeatedly asked to create her portrait, but the genius took it on only once.
Alas, after creating a pencil sketch, which the artist completed in 1499, he abandoned his creation.
“The Baptism of Christ” - painting by da Vinci and Andrei Verrocchio
This painting was painted by da Vinci in collaboration with his teacher Andrea Verrocchio in 1475.
It was ordered by the Benedictine Vallombrosian monastery of San Salvia, which kept the painting until 1530, after which it transferred it to the Florentine Uffizi Gallery.
A fragment of the painting “The Baptism of Christ” - a personal work by Leonardo
Connoisseurs of da Vinci's work can enjoy a fragment of the "Baptism of Christ" made personally by Leonardo.
Part of the painting depicts individual elements of a landscape and two angels - the one on the left is the work of a genius. According to legend, Verrocchio was so impressed by the student’s skill that he abandoned art, considering himself unworthy of it.
"Adoration of the Magi"
The painting was begun by order of the Augustinian monks from the monastery of San Donato in 1481, but was not completed due to the fact that the artist had to leave for Milan. Today the work is kept in the Uffizi Gallery.
In the background you can see the ruins of a palace or, presumably, a pagan temple, riders on horses, and rocks. In the center of the canvas is Mary with the newborn Jesus. She was surrounded by pilgrims who wanted to worship the son of God.
Historians believe that da Vinci painted the guy on the far right from his own life.
"John the Baptist"
Picture in classic style, distinguished from others by the absence of a landscape and a blank background, was created in 1514-1516. Today it can be seen in the Louvre in Paris.
The figure of John the Baptist is equipped with traditional symbols:
- thin reed cross;
- woolen clothes;
- long hair.
The raised finger of the right hand is also a traditional gesture that often appears in Da Vinci's paintings. Perhaps in this way the artist wanted to convey something important. The image of John is gentle, he has a soft smile and an amazing look, as if penetrating the viewer’s soul.
“Saint Jerome” - an unfinished painting by the author
The painting was commissioned by the church authorities in Florence in 1481, but da Vinci had to leave for Milan, so it was not completed. The condition in which it has survived to this day is critical - it was assembled almost piece by piece, so it is kept in the Vatican Pinacoteca under careful and careful supervision.
The sketch shows Saint Jerome, whose pose indicates that the man is repenting. A lion, Jerome’s eternal companion, is resting nearby.
Painting entitled - “The Last Supper”
The painting was commissioned by Duke Lodovico Sforza and his wife Beatrice d'Este in 1495. The painting, depicting the scene of Christ's last meal with his disciples, was completed in 1498. The Sforza family coat of arms can be seen on the lunettes formed by the three-arched ceiling. Today the work is kept in the monastery of Milan.
“Annunciation” - an angelic work by the artist
Leonardo da Vinci painted this painting in 1475. The part of the Gospel that tells about the announcement of the future birth of the Savior was chosen as the plot.
The winged archangel Gabriel is kneeling, holding in his left hand white lily, personifying purity. Right hand he blesses Mary. Near the girl there is a marble stand, decorated with relief, on which lies the Bible. The work is exhibited at the Uffizi Museum.
"Annunciation - landscape"
The landscape of the Annunciation, located in the background of the picture, is worth special attention. Leonardo da Vinci placed on it a river receding into the distance with visible masts of ships, carved silhouettes of trees, walls and towers of a port city, which is shrouded in the pale haze of a mountain top.
"Musician"
This portrait was rewritten by the great Italian artist almost beyond recognition in 1490-1492. He then left his work unfinished. Today the painting is kept in the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, Milan.
In the 19th century it was generally accepted that the painting depicted Duke Lodovico Sforzo. But in XX, during restoration work, it was possible to make out the words on the paper held in the hands of the guy depicted. They turned out to be the initial letters of the words Cantum Angelicum, which in translation sounds like “angelic song”. Notes are drawn nearby. Thanks to this discovery, they began to look at the work differently, giving it an appropriate name.
Leonardo da Vinci's last painting is on display at the Louvre
In front of you in the photograph is Leonardo’s latest creation - “Saint Anne and Mary with the Child.” The painter worked on this painting for 20 years. It is currently on display in the Louvre.
Continuation of the exhibition. . .
Epochs High Renaissance. And then there’s the recent success of Dan Brown’s book “The Da Vinci Code” and its film adaptation. It is not surprising that Leonardo’s works are always shrouded in mystery - you can expect anything from such a genius! So 10 best works Leonardo da Vinci:
1
This half-length portrait of an Italian woman against a beautiful background mountain landscape well known throughout the world, and not only for its artistic qualities: in 1911 it was stolen by a Louvre security guard and found only 2 years later. This incident added to the popularity of the painting, and now Mona Lisa occupies an honorable separate place in the Louvre.
2
The amazing fresco was created in 1795-1498. in the refectory of the monastery of Santa Maria (Milan). It depicts the scene of the last supper of Jesus Christ surrounded by the apostles. Art critics believe that the artist reproduced the moment when the Savior tells his disciples that one of them will betray him. This is a true milestone of Renaissance art! In it, da Vinci used the correct reproduction of the depth of perspective (which was new) - thanks to it, the image acquired depth and liveliness.
3
This is a drawing created as an illustration for a book about the works of Vitruvius (Roman encyclopedist). This drawing clearly shows the image of a man in two positions, one on top of the other. What's special about this drawing? It is called the canonical proportion. "Vitruvian Man" received the status of a work of art and scientific work.
4
The most reliable source of our knowledge about what the great artist looked like is his Turin self-portrait. It was made with sanguine on paper, but over time it was quite damaged and is not currently on display. There are a lot of speculations around the drawing: in particular, some studies have found that it is a sketch for the painting “Mona Lisa”!
One of the recurring themes in da Vinci's paintings was the Madonna and Child, a traditional religious subject. "Madonna Litta" became one of best paintings this topic. It's all about the perfection of lines and shapes - for example, pay attention to how harmoniously the figure of a nursing mother is combined with the clear lines of the window openings depicted in the background. Currently kept in the Hermitage.
6
One of Leonardo da Vinci's early paintings. There is no perspective in it yet (it was simply not used before Leonardo), but carefully drawn folds on the clothes and the expressive hands of the Virgin Mary are already visible. By the way, the wings of the Archangel Gabriel were initially more proportional, but later some unknown artist completed them, and the wings turned out to be somewhat bulky.
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The earliest, most touching and spontaneous of all Madonnas by Leonardo da Vinci. All the works he created later (including the aforementioned Litta) are close to it in style and composition. The image of a young mother conveys gentleness and tranquility. Some researchers explain a certain disproportion of the child’s body by the absence of a baby sitter for the artist, and yet it is strange to suspect the great master of drawing “at random”! Most likely, he wanted to emphasize the unearthly origin of this child.
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This is just a sketch made with pencil and chalk, but it amazes art connoisseurs with the careful depiction of details (for example, curls of hair) and the accurate transmission of emotions manifested in the eyes of a young woman, the curve of her lips...
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The painting was painted towards the end of the 15th century. The girl in the picture is presumably Cecilia Galleroni, the favorite of Duke Ludovico Sforzi, because at the time the picture was painted, da Vinci was in the service of this nobleman. But this painting is not at all like a standard portrait of a beautiful grande dame. The figure is depicted in three-quarter view, and the gaze is directed to the side (da Vinci's innovation). By the way, the girl herself is not such an “air nymph” at all: despite her attractiveness, the hard fold of her lips betrays her imperious character. Just like the hand that holds the animal - supposedly carefully, but at the same time tenaciously (and da Vinci’s hands always turned out to be very expressive). Well, in order to become the favorite of such a noble man, an iron character was indeed required...
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A figure often depicted in painting, but how was the Baptist usually depicted? A middle-aged man, with a beard and a stern look... But not a sweet smiling young man, as Leonardo portrayed him! The painting belongs to the late period of the artist’s work. It is surprising that there is no usual picturesque landscape in the background: John’s light body stands out against the gloomy monotonous background.
Each of these works, despite the fact that they are very different, is a whole era in art. Is it any wonder why Leonardo da Vinci is considered the greatest artist?