Put On Your Monocle! We're Learning About Classical Art!

Today, For Beginners will embark on a mission to enlighten our readers in the study of fine arts; more specifically, the study of the Italian Renaissance art. Over the next week we’ll be analyzing three of the most well-known paintings and sculptures of this era.

The Renaissance artist was the creation of Italian patrons who supported the humanist ideals. Wealthy families such as the Medici, Este, and Sforza’s were able to support and commission new works around the Italian Peninsula. Soon, artists such as da Vinci, Cennini, Lancillotti and Michelangelo became revered names in the Italian art scene.

Renaissance art follow’s a number of practical theories to help the observers see the meaning behind the sculptures, frescos and paintings they create. They wanted to make works that were highly representational, but also retain poetic imagination and wonder.  Today, we’re going to analyze Leonardo da Vinci’s Virgin of the Rocks using renaissance art theorist Lancillotti’s fundamental elements of painting: drawing, color, composition and artistic invention:  

                                                             

Virgin of the Rocks was a project of altarpieces contracted by Prior Bartolomeo Scorlione for his oratory in San Francesco in 1480. The painting shows the admiration of the Devine Infant next to the baby John the Baptist along with an angel. Now, when you first gaze at the painting, your eyes immediately adjust to the youthful and graceful face of the Virgin Mary. Her face is lighted up in contrast to the dark shadows casted by the rock and fauna formations that make up the background of the painting. She is seated, showing her humility. Her head is without a halo, highlighting the realism and beauty of Mary. This is the first time a renaissance artist has completely removed the halos from divine figures such as Mary and Jesus.

As you work your way through the painting, you’re compelled to look to the bottom right as the next focus point. Mary’s hand is seen hovering above the infant Jesus in a motherly gesture of protection. The angel guides your eyes towards the infant John the Baptist you has his hands in prayer to infant Jesus you in turn blesses him, forming a perfect triangle.

 Da Vinci used the theory of the Golden Section which relates to the “sacred geometry” in both Greek and Islamic classical art. This theory was thought to be a perfect “God-given” and economic ratio. It enabled artist to objectively divide up a flat picture in what they believed was the most beautiful way possible.  By having the figures in close proximity and “interacting” through gestures or facing one another. As a result, the theories applied to the Virgin of the Rocks make it more multifaceted, elegant and graceful.

To learn more about analyzing artwork and techniques check out Art Theory For Beginners.