Whenever we think about painting, the great painting of Monalisa comes in mind within a second. I’m sure this happens with you too. This painting is actually a master piece created by one of the most popular painters in the World. I’m sure you already know the name. It is Leonardo da Vinci.
He was really an amazing artist. So, are you interested to read more about the maestro? Let’s go.
Highlights on Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci
Leonardo was a great Italian polymath, engineer, sculptor, architect, and painter. His life span was of 65 years from 15 April 1452 – 2 May 1519.
He was a genius artist and perfectionist who worked restlessly to create historical art pieces.
A Multi-skilled Genius
Leonardo da Vinci is still known for his skills which are not limited to one-two numbers. Let’s count, he was a painter, sculptor, architect, scientist, and engineer. Wow, he was a treasure of knowledge.
Creator of Mona Lisa Painting
Leonardo gained fame primarily as a painter due to his iconic Mona Lisa. The painting has details not in the lady but also in the background. Details in background has generated depth-of-field which produces more interest.
There is an interesting thing in the painting. If you will look at this image from any angle it will look at you all the time.
Interesting facts about Mona Lisa Painting
- It was painted between 1503 to 1506 but he continued improvement on it till 1517.
- Its size is 30 inch tall and 20 inch wide.
- Paining of Monalisa by Leonardo da Vinci is displayed at Louvre in Paris, France.
- He used sfumato technique to create the face of Mona Lisa. This art piece also involves using thin layers of glaze which creates a wonderful shift from shadow to light. Which you can observe while looking at the painting.
- In 1911, the painting was stolen by Vincenzo Peruggia, who was an employee there. He believed this painting belongs to Italy not France as Leonardo was from Italy originally.
- One more interesting fact about the Monalisa painting is linked with Napoleon Bonaparte too which I want to tell you today. He kept this for years in his bedroom, as he believed it brings good luck for him.
- The identity of the woman in this painting is unclear. There are many opinions and theories but not officially proven.
- In France, it is illegal to buy and sell this timeless master piece of art by him even today.
- If you love this lady in painting, the good news is you can send flowers, gifts, bouquet, and write mails to her. Monalisa has her own mailbox which is in the room next to his painting. All the mails are kept in an archive at the museum.
Post Address:
Musée du Louvre
Service des publics
A l’attention de Mona Lisa
75058 Paris Cedex 01
France
You can read more about the Museum through this book. This book is also available on Amazon, check if you want to buy.
Command on Human Anatomy and Figure Study
Leonardo da Vinci also worked on anatomical drawings. He had an in-depth knowledge on human figures through which he made many detailed sketches. His sketches were far ahead of his time.
Human fetus, pen-and-ink studies by Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1510.
Study of a nude man, sepia drawing by Leonardo da Vinci
Reference: Britannica
Mentorship from Andrea del Verrocchio
Leonardo received his early education of reading, writing, and arithmetic completed at home in Florence only. He didn’t went for further education. Leonardo learned painting under the renowned painter Andrea del Verrocchio in a workshop.
His learning approach was based on self education through his own observation and experience. He was known for multi-disciplinary skills in music, art, engineering, invention, architecture, science, etc.
He trained many talented artists. Under his mentorship, Leonardo polished his skills in especially in painting and sculpture.
Life Story of Leonardo da Vinci
Let’s start with name. So, the actual name of Leonardo da Vinci is “Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci”. He was born on 15th April 1452. His home town was very close to Florence in Italy.
Leonardo had 11 siblings and he spent his childhood days with his grandfather and uncle, Antonio da Vinci and Francesco da Vinci.
His family appreciated his interest in art and encouraged him to do well in it. He started his training at the age of 15.
Contribution to Western Art
We can’t forget the contributions of Leonardo da Vinci’s especially in the Western art and science. He gave many masterpieces to us. From “The Last Supper” to “Mona Lisa”, every art says everything about the artist.
There are many notebooks he left behind for us. These notebooks contain the treasure of his knowledge in various fields like anatomy, biology, and astronomy.
His sketches and observations interconnected art with science.
Da Vinci’s innovative techniques and curiosity continue to inspire many young artists learning design and art even today. He is an icon of timeless figure in the history of art and science.
Notable Work by Leonardo Da Vinci
Virgin of the Rocks Painting
The Virgin of the Rocks comes among the famous works by Leonardo da Vinci.
About painting: The scene is featuring the Virgin Mary, the Christ Child, John the Baptist, and an angel.
Unknown facts about Virgin of the Rocks Painting
It has 2 versions
First is in Museum of Louvre, France
Second one is in National Gallery of London
First version is considered the earlier one while second one was later on which is kept in National Gallery of London.
This painting is different from early renaissance work because no one looking at each other. While early renaissance paintings are made with characters looking at each other.
Lady with an Ermine Painting
The Lady with an Ermine is another famous portrait made by Leonardo da Vinci. Nowadays, the Lady with an Ermine is present in the Czartoryski Museum in Kraków, Poland. It is considered one of the country’s best gems in the history of paintings.
Useful facts about Lady with Ermine
- The lady in this painting is Cecilia Gallerani who is the mistress of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan.
- Ermine which she is holding represents purity and virtue.
- This one of top 3 female paintings made by Leonardo da Vinci. Other 2 are Mona Lisa and Ginevra de’ Benci.
- It was painted around 1489-1490.
- It is made using oil paint on wallnut panel.
- It is showing his mastery light and shadow in a painting.
Painting of Vitruvian Man
The Vitruvian Man came around c. 1490. It was explained by the art historian Carmen C. Bambach as the best.
Interesting facts about painting of Vitruvian Man
- Vitruvian Man presents an example of a blend of creative art with scientific standards.
- Notice the detailing of human proportion and geometry, Leonardo da Vinci added to his work. He made this piece with an influence of Vitruvius’s writings.
- It exposes various proportions of the human organs and relation in between them. It is very useful in study of human anatomy.
- Drawing communicates that humankind is the center of universe.
- The medium of Vitruvian Man Painting is water color on paper.
- It is displayed in the Gallerie dell’Accademia in Venice.
- This painting has become an iconic image in the world of art. It has been reproduced in art and science.
The Last Supper Painting
The Last Supper painting presents a scene of Lord Jesus with the other Twelve Apostles.
More about the Last Supper painting
No doubt this painting has technical excellence but it is not something, it is well known for. The Last Supper is mainly famous for its composition. If you notice carefully, you can see various emotions added to each sketch.
- This world famous painting is displayed in the Milan, Italy in Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
- The dimensions of painting is 4.60 meters high and 8.80 meters wide.
- In the era of fresco painting method, Leonardo uses a very unique methods to make it. He used tempera and oil on a gypsum board to make it.
- In art and painting, one-point perspective is good to draw the viewer’s attention to a specific subject. So, Da Vinci used it to get viewer’s eyes on Jesus directly. He also made use of very popular concept of holy trinity as we see in Hinduism or Sanatan Dharma too. According to this concept, the 3 gods Brahma – the creator, Vishnu – the preserver, and Mahesh – the destroyer. You can notice he kept his apostles in a group of 3, which may represent the Holy Trinity.
Death of Great Legend Leonardo da Vinci
Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life near the royal residence of King Francis I of France.
In the last days, Leonardo da Vinci got partially paralysis and the legend passed away on May 2, 1519, at Clos Lucé, France. At the time of his death he was 67 years old.
He left a huge property for his brothers who fought for many years over inheritance.
Before his death, he declared his pension, house, clothes, his intellectual property, and artistic legacy to Francesco Melzi.
Digital Competition in Tribute to the Great Artist
At ADMEC, we paid a tribute to the legendary Leonardo da Vinci by hosting a Digital Painting Competition at our academy. The competition took place on 14th October 2024. Every student was invited to participate in this event.
Not only we honored the top performers from our students learning digital painting from ADMEC. We also recognized every participant for their effort and creativity for canvas painting too. This event was a series of various events and training approaches.
