The Virgin of the Rocks Leonardo painted two versions of the Virgin of the Rocks. These show the Virgin Mary and Jesus with John the Baptist and an angel. Leonardo used sfumato to create changes in skin tone and in the background of the painting. His background of rocks and plants shows his interest in nature.
Mona Lisa
Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa in Florence. She was the wife of a rich merchant. Some historians say this is the most famous painting in the world. Leonardo used sfumato and created a natural background in painting the Mona Lisa.
‘Anyone wishing to see the degree to which art can imitate Nature can easily understand this from the head, for here Leonardo reproduced all the details that can be painted with subtlety …. And in this portrait by Leonardo, there is a smile so pleasing that it seems more divine than human, and it was considered a wondrous thing that it was as lively as the smile of the living original.’
1. How has Leonardo used sfumato and perspective in these paintings?
2. These are considered great paintings. Why do you think so? Do you agree?
(G. Vasari, The Lives of the Artists)
KEY WORD
●●Sfumato This method of painting creates a fine shading so that there is a gradual change between colours. It is often used to move slowly from areas of light to areas of dark, to make scenes more realistic and also to create depth. As Leonardo said, it is painting ‘without lines or borders, in the manner of smoke’.
