Portrait of an Artist: Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci, an extraordinary Renaissance polymath, was not only a painter, but also a scientist, engineer and inventor. His profound influence on the art world and the enormous legacy he left behind make him an icon of art history.

Early Life and Background

Leonardo da Vinci was born on 15 April 1452 in Vinci, a town in the Republic of Florence, now Italy. He was the illegitimate son of Ser Piero da Vinci, a notary, and Caterina, a peasant woman. Although he was born out of wedlock, his father recognised him and ensured that he received an education suited to his talents.

Da Vinci’s early life was characterised by curiosity and eagerness to learn. His family recognised his potential and provided him with an education that encouraged his artistic inclinations.

At the age of 14, Leonardo became an apprentice in the workshop of Andrea del Verrocchio. During his time there, he honed his skills in painting, sculpture and other artistic pursuits while learning about science and anatomy.

As a young artist, Leonardo experimented with various art forms and techniques. His exceptional powers of observation enabled him to capture intricate details in his artwork, setting him apart from his contemporaries.

Techniques used by da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci’s artistic brilliance went beyond his masterful paintings. He introduced several innovative techniques and approaches that changed the art world.

Sfumato

Sfumato is a painting technique characterised by the gradual blending of colours and tones to create soft, subtle transitions between light and shadow. The aim of sfumato is to achieve a seamless and atmospheric effect where there are no hard lines or distinct boundaries between different elements in the painting.

Chiaroscuro

Chiaroscuro is an artistic technique that uses strong and striking contrasts between light and shadow in a painting or drawing. By cleverly manipulating light and dark areas, artists create a sense of depth and dramatic, three-dimensional effects that add depth and intensity to their artwork.

Use of perspective

Perspective is an artistic technique used to present the illusion of depth and three-dimensionality on a two-dimensional surface. By applying the principles of scale and vanishing points, artists can create realistic and spatially accurate representations of objects and scenes that give the impression of reaching into the distance.

By understanding the principles of perspective, Leonardo created artworks with a sense of depth and realism that captivated viewers and made them feel immersed in the scenes.

Leonardo da Vinci's popular artworks

Leonardo da Vinci’s artistic legacy is illustrated by several masterpieces that fascinate art lovers and historians alike.

The Last Supper

This iconic fresco demonstrates da Vinci’s mastery of perspective and emotion. The use of light and shadow combined with the vivid facial expressions of the apostles creates a captivating depiction of the climax of the Last Supper.

The original painting of “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci is in the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can view the masterpiece in its original location, but are required to book tickets in advance due to high demand and limited access to preserve the artwork.

Mona Lisa

The most famous portrait in the world, the “Mona Lisa” is a captivating portrait of a woman with an enigmatic smile. Leonardo da Vinci’s use of sfumato, a technique of mixing colours and softening lines, adds to the painting’s appeal.

The original painting of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” is in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. The painting is displayed behind protective glass so that visitors can admire the Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile while ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Vitruvian Man

This drawing is evidence of Leonardo’s great interest in the human body and anatomy. It shows a man in two superimposed positions within a square and a circle. It represents the harmony between human proportions and geometry and reflects Leonardo’s keen understanding of art and science.

The original drawing of the “Vitruvian Man” by Leonardo da Vinci is in the Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice, Italy.

Lady with Ermine

This portrait of Cecilia Gallerani, “Lady with Ermine”, shows Leonardo’s extraordinary talent for capturing the personality and character of his sitters.

The original painting of “Lady with Ermine” is in the Czartoryski Museum in Krakow, Poland. The Czartoryski Museum offers art lovers the opportunity to admire Leonardo’s brilliant depiction of the lady and her loving interaction with the ermine, a symbol of purity and nobility.

Annunciation

The Annunciation is an early masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci depicting the angel Gabriel announcing to the Virgin Mary that she will conceive Jesus.

The artwork is currently on display at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. The Uffizi Gallery is known for its extensive collection of Renaissance masterpieces, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Andrea del Verrocchio and other famous artists of the era.