Renaissance


 
The Virgin of the Rocks (1st)


The Virgin of the Rocks (2nd) 



Leonardo da Vinci created 'The Virgin of the Rocks' in the beginning of his career after he moved to Milan. It was one of his first commissioned pieces intended for a dramatic alter piece that would include a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary in the chapel of the Immaculate Conception. Leonardo's first pieces was started in 1483 but after money conflicts, Leonardo ended up selling his piece to someone else and it now sits in Louvre, Paris. The second version of  'The Virgin of the Rocks' was officially completed in 1508, many years later. 

Da Vinci presents Mary in a more natural and humble form, placing her on the ground instead of the usual throne and contributing to the movement of Humanism. There are no hard lines shaping the bodies and Mary is sitting in a way that allows her to appear more approachable and nurturing, her hands give the appearance of grace as she nudges the baby, John the Baptist, towards the other baby that is to represent Jesus Christ. 

The knowledge and research on human anatomy is also demonstrated in this art piece with the two babies, John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. The babies are chubby but shadowing and use of "chiaroscuro" is used to emulate the appearance of muscles and highlight the face structure of virgin Mary and the angel. Da Vinci's use of dark backgrounds, rich colors, and detailed flowers and individuals are a grand contribution to Humanism and the era of Renaissance.

This is one of my favorite pieces of the Renaissance era but I dislike the dark background in his completed piece and the way the angel sort of blends in. I highly prefer the first image done by Leonardo and was surprised when I found out it wasn't considered his final piece. Either way, I would love to own a piece to have in my home.

“Art Studio Chalkboard.” Chalkboard, http://studiochalkboard.evansville.edu/s-chiaro.html.  

“Italian Renaissane Art-Humanism.” Italian Renaissance Art - Humanism, https://www.artyfactory.com/art_appreciation/art_movements/italian-renaissance/italian-renaissance-art-humanism.html.  

The National Gallery, London. “Leonardo and the Virgin of the Rocks.” The National Gallery, https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/exhibitions/past/leonardo-experience-a-masterpiece/leonardo-and-the-virgin-of-the-rocks.








Comments

  1. kqwilliamsOctober 3, 2021 at 5:36 PM

    Hi Rebecca,
    When I first saw your post, I only looked at the paintings and I thought the second one was just restored to look like its was just painted. That it was dingey and dark from time but after reading your post I was very impressed. I am floored that a second copy could be reproduced after years and it is so well done. It is not perfect, the colors are different and the position of the second woman is different etc, but most of the major deals are incredible. I can’t remember where screws go if I haven’t taken pictures and documented it. I love that you note the purpose behind the different colors and positions as I was under the impression that it was because it was an accident at first. The colors are so striking in the second really showing his changed view of his work, with brighter colors contributing to the humanism in the painting and really making the angel stick out. Great post and awesome art!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Taylor LewisOctober 4, 2021 at 3:13 PM

    I love the piece of artwork you chose for this assignment. The details in this piece are amazing. I have to agree with you on this relating to Humanism.

    ReplyDelete

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