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Catalog Essay

Leonardo da Vinci is a very famous artist who is born in Italy. He began his art journey at the age of 14. Besides his art journey, he was also an architect and an inventor. He is a very talented individual. The High Renaissance period flourished in Rome from 1490 to 1527. The High Renaissance period was a time of great artistic and cultural innovation, characterized by a renewed focus on the human form and the human experience. Through their art, artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo sought to capture the beauty and complexity of the human experience, exploring themes such as portraiture, emotion, and the human body. Their famous works continue to inspire and influence artists today. The format of this exhibition is a monographic exhibition. It will be focused on the work of Leonardo da Vinci during the High Renaissance period. Through Leonardo da Vinci’s attention to detail, Leonardo was able to capture both the physical appearance and emotional expression of his subjects in human form.

Through a selection of eight key works, including The Last Supper, Virgin of Rocks, The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne, Portrait of Man in Red Chalk, Head of a Young Woman, La Belle Ferronniere, Saint John the Baptist, and La Scapigliata, we will explore more about Leonardo da Vinci’s remarkable artistic work and his legacy. In Leonardo’s portraits such as the Portrait of Man in Red Chalk and Head of a Young Woman, it shows his remarkable skill in capturing very detailed and unique features of the people he is painting. The Portrait of Man in Red Chalk is of an elderly man with a long beard and wrinkled face. The Head of a Young Woman captures a woman’s beauty and facial expressions. The two paintings look very realistic and looked like there was a lot of effort put into them to make them look like perfection. Additionally, La Belle Ferronniere is a portrait of an unknown woman and La Scapigliata is of a young woman with loose hair. These two paintings of women convey powerful emotional expression. Leonardo da Vinci was able to use anatomy to create these beautiful artworks. The artworks are so detailed that it looks like a photocopy. The anatomy shown in the paintings was very accurate and impressive. To not have many resources as we have today, he was able to turn many paintings into accurate and expressive paintings.

Leonardo da Vinci had numerous paintings with the theme of religion. However, even with the theme of religion, he includes a humanistic aspect. One of the most famous religious artworks of this time was The Last Supper. This is a painting that captures the night of Passover where Jesus is making amends for sins committed by Adam and Eve. The painting looks very realistic. He was able to capture their facial expressions and body language. This painting is an incredible way of showing events in Christian history. Another religious artwork made by Leonardo da Vinci is called The Virgin of the Rocks. The painting is of Virgin Mary with baby Jesus and John the Baptist. From looking at this painting, you can see that he focused on their facial expressions. Baby Jesus is also reaching out to John the Baptist in this painting as John the Baptist then points at him. Additionally, the painting called The Virgin Child with Saint Anne is also another beautiful artwork that represents religion. This artwork was of Virgin Mary, her mother Saint Anne, and baby Jesus. The expressions on the faces of the figures are subtle. Especially with Saint Anne giving off a sense of maternal warmth and the Virgin Mary radiating a sense of serenity. Lastly, the portrait of Saint John the Baptist is a portrait of a very important religious figure. Through his attention to detail, da Vinci is able to capture the complex emotions and relationships between the figures.

To be able to capture the details, characteristics, and personality of the person shows the talents of Leonardo. Through the examination of his works, such as The Last Supper, Virgin of Rocks, The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne, Portrait of Man in Red Chalk, Mona Lisa, La Belle Ferronniere, Saint John the Baptist, and La Scapigliata, we can see how he created artworks that are not only visually stunning but also convey a powerful sense of emotion and human experience. From looking at some of his most famous paintings, it is evident that religion played an important role in Leonardo’s art. He is very famous for his creation in his paintings and is very detailed oriented. His understanding of anatomy also shows in his artwork. Da Vinci’s legacy as one of the most talented artists of the High Renaissance continues to influence and inspire artists to this day.

The Last Supper

by Leonardo da Vinci

1495-1498

Dimensions: 15’1 x 29’0

Medium: Tempera

Located Currently: Santa Maria delle Grazie church in Milan, Italy

“The Last Supper” is a famous mural depicting the final meal shared by Jesus Christ and his disciples. Painted by the artist Leonardo da Vinci, this iconic masterpiece captures the profound emotions and tension within the scene. Leonardo da Vinci uses a material called tempera to create this beautiful painting. The composition skillfully portrays the moment when Jesus announces the betrayal among the twelve apostles. Leonardo’s meticulous attention to detail and the masterful use of light and shadow make “The Last Supper” a timeless work of art. Despite its deteriorated state, the painting’s historical significance and spiritual depth continue to resonate with viewers.